BRAND PROFILE: ADIDAS

ADIDAS ORIGINS

When was adidas created?

adidas was founded in a small town called Herzogenaurach, in Germany. adidas is the brainchild of Adolf 'Adi' Dassler, who originally used his mother's laundry room as his factory.  Allowing his brother Rudolf to join the business in July 1924, the label was originally dubbed as the "Dassler Brothers Shoe Factory".

How did adidas become popular?

As the development of spiked running shoes, Dassler enhanced the quality of said footwear by utilising spikes on the canvas and rubber rather than heavy metal. After persuading Jesse Owens to use his hand made spikes at the 1936 Summer Olympics, the sprinter's four gold medal haul propelled the name and reputation of Dassler shoes.

Now known to the world's sportsmen and their trainers, the brothers were selling 200,000 pairs of shoes every year before World War II. 

Are adidas and Puma linked?

In 1947, a rift led to the brothers going their separate ways. In 1949, Adi registered the ‘Adi Dassler adidas Sportschuhfabrik’ name, whilst Rudolf formed a new sportswear firm that he called Ruda. Quickly rebranded as Puma, the pair became locked in a ferocious battle that even divided the town of Herzogenaurach. Unfortunately the brothers never reconciled.

How did adidas get its name? 

Anyone who’s telling you that adidas stands for “All Day I Dream About Soccer” has unfortunately fallen victim to the popular urban myth. adidas actually derives its name from a combination of the first and last name of its founder, Adolf “Adi” Dassler.

Where is adidas made? 

There’s a few different stops along the adidas production line. Firstly, products are designed and tested using different materials in their HQ in Germany. For athletes though, the process is a little different. Their products are produced in a “speedfactory” in Bavaria, where production is customised to athletes’ data. 

What is the ethos behind adidas?

Sport and performance have been synonymous with adidas since its inception. Understanding that his brand was quickly becoming beloved by athletes, Adi Dassler began to meet with athletes throughout the late ‘60s and ‘70s to see what could be improved upon or even invented to meet their needs. 

ADIDAS SUBCULTURE

In the 1954 World Cup final, Germany beat Hungary, however the real winners were adidas. Displaying screw-in studs on lightweight football boots, adidas and its founder became a household name on football pitches everywhere. Perhaps it’s no surprise then, that only a few years later in 1967, the Franz Beckenbauer tracksuit model debuted as the first official piece of adidas apparel. The same year also saw adidas deliver the official TELSTAR ball for the FIFA World Cup for the very first time - improving visibility on black and white television.  

Continuously pushing itself, the adidas Micropacer was the first running shoe to come with an integrated pedometer to track your running. Introduced in 1984, the shoe with computer technology provided performance statistics to athletes.

However, the label often became more associated with lifestyle and streetwear. This transformation from performance to lifestyle came to a head in 1986 as Run-D.M.C. released “My Adidas” and the duo became partners. After that, the collaborations continued with the likes of Stella McCartney (2004), Porsche Design Sport (2007) and of course, Gucci (2022). 

After Horst Dassler - son of founder Adolf Dassler - passed away in 1987, adidas was sold on. Now, it’s owned by adidas AG, a multinational corporate group. 

Who wears adidas? 

From celebrities and sporting stars like David Beckham and Lionel Messi, to athletes that need the kind of technical high-performance that adidas offers. In fact, the brand claimed a total of 26 medals (including 9 gold!) in Budapest 2023.

BRANDING

Unlike your usual brand, adidas actually has three logos that it uses across seasons and collections - each boasting a unique backstory and meaning.

What is the inspiration behind the adidas 3-Stripes logo?

The most iconic symbol is widely regarded as the signature three stripes that have appeared on every pair of adidas shoes since Adolf Dassler founded the brand in 1949. The OG though, was a track and field spiked shoe, where the stripes sat between extended tails on the two d’s in adidas. Unfortunately for us though, there’s no numerological reasoning as to why Dassler picked the number three. Apparently, it’s simply just that three showed up the most prominently in photography.

When was the adidas Trefoil logo created?

When adidas began to introduce apparel back in 1972, a new logo was added to the line-up. Yes, we’re talking about that iconic Trefoil logo. Designed by a small collaborative team of adidas leaders and designers from Germany, this motif takes inspiration from florals - with three leaf-shaped foils to keep adidas’ branding in-line with the OG three stripes. 

Is there a third adidas logo?

Yes, fast forward to 1989, and adidas was looking for a new logo to echo the brand’s commitment to equipping athletes with the best gear possible. Eventually, the Equipment logo was released to the public in 1991 with three-stripes in a three-bard arrangement - designed with the help of a visionary designer and creative consultant. 

Can adidas shoes be washed or resoled? 

You’ll want your trainers looking as fresh on day fifty as they did on day five - and thankfully, adidas shoes are pretty easy to wash. We’d recommend following the brand’s detailed step-by-step guide on the topic, which you can find here. 

But if you really want to up your sneaker cleaning caddy, why not check out our latest range of shoe care and accessories to keep everything looking good?

Which adidas shoes are waterproof? 

From the Terrex Trailmaker 2.0 to the Supernova 3, plenty of adidas shoes utilise innovative GORE-TEX technology to provide a reliable waterproof membrane. But that doesn’t mean you’ll be compromising functionality for fashion, as even the Superstar sneakers come with a Gore-Tex design.

ADIDAS CORE SNEAKER MODELS

The vast majority of adidas sneakers are almost always going to be in fashion. But, if you want to stay on-trend, then the Sambas, Spezials and Campus 00s are your safest bets. In terms of what’s up-and-coming, the SL72s are definitely worth keeping an eye on. Continuing with the preppy aesthetics, adidas’ Country OG trainers are steadily on the rise, and might be worth grabbing if you want to stay ahead of the curve. But here, we’ve got some quick run-downs on some of the brand’s most iconic silhouettes to help you pick up a classic for your collection. 

Campus 00s

These sneakers are designed with cues taken from the classic Campus 80s, giving the aesthetic a skate-inspired twist. Renowned for durability, they’re designed to mould to your foot over time for longevity and solid footing. 

Samba OG

What was once widely renowned as a sports icon has transformed into a street-style favourite - and for good reason. The low-profile, soft leather uppers and gum sole of the Samba OG has been flooding our social feeds for the past few seasons, so it’s definitely worth getting on-board with.

Gazelle

Similarly to the Samba OG, the Gazelle’s roots as a training sneaker have transformed throughout the seasons into a street-smart style. Suede uppers and a rubber outsole here provide a vintage look with modern comfort that’ll never go out of style.

Superstar

Progressing from basketball favourite into the world of hip hop and skate cultures, adidas’ Superstar sneakers are another three stripes icon. With leather uppers, serrated three stripes, shell style toe and box logo. 

Handball Spezial

With its retro-inspired design and lightweight construction, adidas’ Handball Spezial should also be on your radar. Originally released in the ‘70s as a sports shoe, this Originals style is now beloved by fashion fans too - so you’ll be in good company making it part of your rotation. 

Ultraboost 1.0:

For enhanced performance, look no further than the adidas’ Ultraboost 1.0. Here, primeknit uppers provide a supportive second-skin fit, while the boost midsole returns the energy you put in, whatever the workout. 

Stan Smith:

Inarguably one of adidas’ most iconic sneakers, the Stan Smith pays tribute to a tennis legend who secured the #1 ranking in 1971, and even won Wimbledon the following year. No wonder the likes of JAY-Z, David Bowie and Barack Obama have sported the shoe. 

ADIDAS SUSTAINABILITY

When it comes to sustainability, there’s three core areas that adidas is enhancing: changing materials, wearing products longer and reducing carbon footprint. Since introducing its Know the Carbon Footprint range in 2023 to provide customers with more information, adidas’ efforts have expanded to include a commitment to replace virgin materials with recycled polyester wherever possible from 2024 onwards. On top of this, by 2025, the brand aims to reduce its carbon footprint by, on average, 15% per product, so you can look good and feel good knowing your wardrobe is helping the planet. 

ADIDAS SPZL

The brainchild of cultural mainstay Gary Aspden, adidas SPZL was created in 2014 to celebrate the Brand with Three Stripes’ storied legacy. Reborn for the modern day, footwear and apparel are still crafted with the revered vintage DNA of adidas but through contemporary shapes.

Part of the label’s 10-year celebrations, END. joins forces with the seminal SPZL line for an exclusive 11-piece collection. A momentous occasion in the British retailer’s collaborative history, the “By the Sea” capsule centres around a trio of revitalised footwear classics. Inspired by a staple of British culture, the seaside town, throughout there is a nod to the heritage of both the retailer and adidas SPZL.

HOW TO STYLE ADIDAS

Information provided by an END. Clothing Stylist.

What do you love about adidas sneakers?

I love the range of different trainers adidas offers, the variety of colourways and how you can style them in so many different ways. My favourite style is the adidas Samba and they really do stay true to the hype! They are really comfortable, so it's no surprise that they have become a part of my everyday ensemble. I love how there is also a range of collaborations with them such as the adidas x Wales Bonner collaboration. Especially the Samba in leopard print, I get so many comments on them every time I wear them!

How do you style adidas sneakers?

I style them in many ways. I love to pair them with a skirt or a maxi dress on warmer days or if I’m opting for a more casual look I’ll wear some baggy low rise jeans and a t-shirt. Often I will style them with some wide leg trousers and an oversized jumper for a smart/casual look. If I opt for a more muted toned outfit a brighter adidas trainer such as a red adidas SPZL is perfect for adding a pop of colour to the outfit too!

What do you love about adidas apparel?

Adidas apparel is perfect for everyday wear. It’s comfortable and trendy. I personally love the adidas wide leg track pants. They are truly the perfect combination of practicality and style.

How do you style adidas apparel?

I style adidas apparel in a variety of ways. For example if its track pants I’d pair them with a plain vest but layer up with lots of jewellery. I’d also add in an adidas t-shirt with some tailored wide leg trousers to add a smart/casual feel to an outfit. I’d even consider a track top with a maxi skirt to give that ‘cool girl’ aesthetic to a look for womens.

SIMILAR WOMENS BRANDS TO ADIDAS

Adanola

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you should be familiar with Adanola. Having graced our social media feeds with its viral leggings, jumpers and bags, Adanola’s apparel is the perfect way to style your fresh adidas’ sneakers. Founded in Manchester back in 2015, they’ve definitely succeeded in their mission to become “everybody’s everyday uniform”.

Girlfriend Collective

If sustainability is a priority when it comes to your style, then Girlfriend Collective is the place to be. Their wide range of sportswear, apparel and accessories are made from recycled materials like post-consumer water bottles, fishing nets retrieved from the seas and fabric scraps. Because, as they say, “good things come to those who don’t waste”. We couldn’t agree more.

Sporty & Rich

If you’re looking for a bold slogan to complement your Sambas, then take a look at Sporty & Rich. Having transformed from a self-described “mood board for life” to a magazine and ultimately an iconic fashion label, Emily Oberg’s brand is always reminding us that “health is wealth” and to “eat more veggies!”.

P.E. Nation

Fusing fashion with functionality, Australian brand P.E. Nation is the one to take you from the weekday workout to the weekend wind-down in style and comfort. With Pip Edwards at the helm as creative director, the brand’s celebration of living an active way of life makes it perfect for marrying with the adidas aesthetic. 

Arc'teryx

Founded on the idea that “there is always a better way”, Arc’teryx is your go-to for adventure-ready gear. Founded back in 1989, the Canadian company has unparalleled experience that it infuses into all its designs, seeing you through the adventure safely and comfortably - whether you’re climbing, skiing, snowboarding, or hiking. Perfect. 

SIMILAR MENS BRANDS TO ADIDAS

Nike

They might be considered rivals, but Nike’s designs are certainly up there. On a mission to bring “inspiration and innovation to every athlete in the world”, the sportswear giant has been setting the gold standard for athletic gear, alongside adidas, since the ‘60s. 

HOKA

So you’ve got your adidas apparel and want a trainer that’ll stand out from the crowd to pair it with. That’s where HOKA comes in. Founded in the French Alps in 2009 by two athletes, driven by a desire to create a running shoe that’d feel like flying when going downhill, the brand has quickly become a favourite amongst ultramarathoners and running newbies alike. 

Salomon

Salomon’s been crafting the future of sports since 1947 - and certainly shows no signs of slowing down now. Believing that “a deeper connection with nature and people makes us all better”, the brand provides the ideal gear to help you transform positive change in every adventure you take on.

Satisfy

Struggling to unlock that sought-after runner's high? Don’t sweat it, Satisfy’s gear is here to help. The brand’s designs help to “eliminate distractions that prevent us from achieving this higher state”, so you can hit your personal best, without worry.

ON RUNNING

Last, but by no means least, we’ve got ON Running. Continually offering up innovative designs to help you beat your personal best time and time again, this brand - born in the Swiss Alps - has the kind of shoes you’ll reach for run after run.