adidas was founded in 1949 by Adolf "Adi" Dassler in Herzogenaurach, Germany, after splitting from a family business he shared with his brother Rudolf, who went on to establish PUMA. The brand quickly gained recognition with its innovative footwear that helped the West German national team win the 1954 FIFA World Cup, offering better grip and performance on wet, slippery pitches. In the following decades, products like the Stan Smith, originally launched as a tennis shoe in the 1960s, and the Superstar, released in 1969, transitioned into widely-embraced, cultural staples. adidas's innovations, from the 1980s Torsion system to modern advancements like Boost cushioning and Primeknit uppers, demonstrate its commitment to advancing footwear technology and performance-driven design. Through partnerships with athletes like Lionel Messi and collaborations with artists and designers such as Kanye West and Pharrell Williams, adidas continues to be as a global leader in sportswear, combining innovation with lifestyle appeal.
