The history of Adidas begins in the German town of Herzogenaurach, where in the 1920s, two brothers — Adolf and Rudolf Dassler — opened a small shoe workshop. In post-war Germany, sports shoes were a rarity, and the idea of creating light, durable, and comfortable sneakers was revolutionary. Adolf, known by the nickname Adi, was an engineer and inventor, while Rudolf was responsible for sales. Together, they founded the company "Gebrüder Dassler Schuhfabrik," which quickly gained popularity among athletes. The first major success came in 1936 when American sprinter Jesse Owens competed at the Berlin Olympics in Dassler shoes. His four gold medals brought international recognition to the brand. It was then that it became clear that sports shoes could be more than just an element of equipment, but a factor that could influence results. The Split and the Birth of Adidas After World War II, a serious conflict arose between the brothers. The reasons for their dispute are not entirely clear, but the tension between them led to the breakup of the company in 1948. Rudolf founded the company Puma, while Adi registered his own enterprise, combining the first letters of his name and surname — Adidas. From this moment on, the history of one of the most recognizable sports brands in the world began. Adi Dassler approached his work with an engineering mindset. He sought to ensure that each pair of shoes combined functionality, durability, and comfort. In 1949, he introduced the iconic three stripes — not just a design element, but a structural detail that reinforced the side of the shoe. This symbol became the emblem of the brand and gradually acquired almost a sacred status in the world of sports. Growth and International Recognition In the 1950–1960s, Adidas became the official shoe supplier for many national football teams. The company actively collaborated with coaches and athletes, perfecting the design of studs, soles, and materials. It was during this period that Adidas t ... Read more