**Adidas**
- Year of Origin: 1949
- Stock Symbol: ADS (XETRA)
The history of Adidas is quite fascinating, so let’s lace up our sneakers and take a jog through time!
Adidas was founded in Germany in 1949 by Adolf "Adi" Dassler, who was previously part of a family business that made athletic shoes. After a fallout with his brother Rudolf, who went on to create Puma, Adi formed his own company, "Adi Dassler Adidas Sportschuhfabrik." The name was eventually shortened to Adidas, which combines his nickname and the first three letters of his last name.
One of the brand's first major successes came during the 1954 FIFA World Cup when the German national team wore Adidas shoes and won the tournament. This victory helped catapult Adidas into the spotlight, and they became well-known for their innovative designs and performance-enhancing features.
The iconic three stripes were first added to the shoes for branding purposes, and they quickly became a recognizable symbol of the brand. Over the years, Adidas expanded its product range to include casual wear and lifestyle shoes, becoming a staple in both sports and fashion.
In the 1980s, Adidas experienced a cultural renaissance, particularly in the hip-hop scene, thanks to artists like Run-D.M.C., who famously wore the classic Superstar sneakers without laces. This endorsement helped to secure Adidas' position in the lifestyle market.
Today, Adidas is one of the largest sportswear manufacturers in the world, known for its commitment to performance and style, and it continues to innovate while collaborating with celebrities and designers to keep things fresh.