Adidas, one of the most iconic brands in the world, is not only synonymous with innovation in the sports realm but also has a rich history full of fascinating tidbits. Founded in 1949 by Adolf Dassler, the German company began as a small sports shoe factory and quickly grew into a global giant.

Known for its iconic three-stripe logo, Adidas has been a pioneer in various technological innovations, from creating the first spiked soles to the modern Boost technology shoes. In addition to its contributions to athletic performance, the brand has also made its mark on pop culture and fashion, collaborating with renowned designers and celebrities.

In this text, we will explore some lesser-known and intriguing aspects of Adidas’s journey, revealing what makes this brand so special and relevant to this day.

1 – FAMILY COMPETITION

The founding of Adidas was marked by a series of personal conflicts. Adolf Dassler and his older brother, Rudolf, began to disagree about the guidelines of the family business they ran together.

In the early 1940s, the brothers decided to part ways and founded two separate companies. Adolf created Adidas, while Rudolf established Puma, which quickly became one of Adidas’s main competitors.

2 – COMBINING NAMES

Adolf Dassler, the founder of the brand, initially planned to name the company Gebrüder Dassler Schuhfabrik. However, this name was difficult to pronounce and would likely face challenges in standing out in the market.

Eventually, the brand was named “adidas”, a combination of the founder’s nickname, “Adi,” and the beginning of his last name, “Das”.

3 – INVESTING IN SPORTS

In the sports world, brands often focus their investments on soccer, the most popular sport. However, Adidas took a different path. The first shoe created by Adolf Dassler was not a soccer cleat but rather a running shoe. This model was debuted by athlete Jesse Owens during the 1936 Olympic Games.

4 – THE THREE STRIPES

The three stripes have not always been part of Adidas’s history. In 1951, they were acquired for a modest sum of 1,600 euros and, according to rumors, two bottles of whiskey. Originally, the two-stripe logo belonged to the Finnish footwear brand Karhu, which had used this design at the old Dassler brothers’ company. Adolf Dassler then decided to add a third stripe, creating a simpler and less intrusive design.

5 – THE LOGOS

Adidas uses three distinct logos: the trefoil, the mountain shape, and the brand name written in lowercase letters. Each of these logos has a specific meaning: the trefoil logo symbolizes speed, the mountain logo highlights achievements during competitions, and the brand name pays tribute to the sports products developed by Dassler.

6 – A SHOE SUITABLE FOR LOCKER ROOMS AND SHOWERS

The Adidas slide sandal is ubiquitous, seen in various environments, both indoor and outdoor. However, its initial creation had a purpose quite different from its current popularity. In the 1960s, the German football team requested a shoe suitable for use in locker rooms and showers from Adidas.

Thus, the sandal was born, designed to protect players from hazards present in bathrooms.

7 – A DIFFICULT PERIOD

After the death of Adi Dassler in 1987, his son Horst Dassler took over the company. From that point, Adidas faced a difficult period, marked by increasing competition, especially from Nike, and administrative issues involving economists who became embroiled in scandals.

To avoid bankruptcy, the company was sold for over 200 million euros.

8 – REJECTED MICHAEL JORDAN

In 1984, Michael Jordan, who was already emerging as one of the future stars of basketball, approached Adidas to negotiate a sponsorship deal. However, at the time, the company chose to focus on more established players and did not see the potential in Jordan, a decision that would prove to be a major mistake. Meanwhile, Nike seized the opportunity and offered Jordan a contract worth $500,000 per year.

Jordan gave Adidas the chance to match the offer, but the brand declined. Adidas’s decision not to invest in Jordan allowed Nike to benefit immensely from the association with the star, who would later become a global icon.

This missed opportunity marked a crucial point in the brand’s history and in Jordan’s career, which would see him become one of the most recognized and influential athletes in the world.

9 – SHOES MADE FROM RECYCLED MATERIALS

Adidas launched an innovative shoe made entirely from recycled materials collected from the ocean. This model was created using plastics found at sea, such as bags and fishing nets, and includes all components of the shoe, from the outer part to the inner lining. The initiative is part of the brand’s commitment to sustainability and reducing environmental impact.

The success of the shoe, which sold over one million units in less than a year, highlighted the effectiveness of the approach and encouraged Adidas to expand its range of eco-friendly products.

This action not only contributes to ocean conservation but also sets an important example of how the industry can adopt more responsible practices.

10 – THROWING SHOES IN THE AIR TO HONOR THE BRAND

Russell Simmons, producer of the rap group Run DMC, invited Adidas executives to a show at Madison Square Garden. During the performance of the song “My Adidas,” fans threw their shoes in the air as a gesture of appreciation for the group and the brand. This event surprised Adidas, which then decided to name Run DMC as brand ambassadors.

This partnership helped expand Adidas’s presence beyond the sports market, reaching new segments.

In conclusion, Adidas’s history is marked by innovations and decisions that have shaped not only the brand’s trajectory but also the global landscape of sports and fashion. From its humble beginnings to becoming an international powerhouse, Adidas has been a pioneer in various aspects, from creating iconic footwear to adopting sustainable practices.

The rejection of Michael Jordan and the cultural impact of its partnerships with groups like Run DMC demonstrate how strategic choices can influence the market. The introduction of products made from recycled ocean materials reveals the brand’s commitment to environmental responsibility.

Adidas’s journey is a testament to how innovation and vision can transform a company and impact the world, remaining relevant and inspiring over the decades.