Adidas

Adidas was founded in Herzogenaurach, Germany, by Adolf Dassler. The company began after Adolf parted ways with his brother Rudolf, who went on to establish Puma. Adidas quickly grew, becoming famous for athletic shoes featuring the signature three stripes, which were primarily used for added stability. Throughout the decades, Adidas expanded its product line and emerged as a global leader in sportswear, competing with other major brands.

In the 1954 FIFA World Cup held in Switzerland, the German national football team won the championship while wearing Adidas football boots. This victory significantly boosted Adidas's reputation in the football industry, as the team's success was partly attributed to the revolutionary screw-in studs technology developed by Adidas. This technological advancement helped players adapt to different pitch conditions, showcasing the company's innovative approach.

Adidas introduced its three-stripe logo and 'Trefoil' logo, which became synonymous with the brand. The three-stripe design had been a part of Adidas products since the company's inception, but it wasn't until 1971 that the brands' logos were officially registered. These logos represented performance, style, and lifestyle, helping Adidas to diversify its brand identity beyond sportswear into casual apparel, lifestyle, and accessories.

The 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles marked a pivotal moment for Adidas as the company supplied gear for numerous athletes, including star Carl Lewis. Lewis, an American track and field athlete, won four gold medals while wearing Adidas shoes. This association with such a high-profile athlete and the success at a globally visible event helped cement Adidas's reputation as a leading sports brand, competing strongly against rivals like Nike.

In 1997, Adidas acquired the Salomon Group, a French sports equipment manufacturing company known for ski gear, for $1.4 billion. This strategic move allowed Adidas to expand its reach into the winter sports market and further diversify its product offerings. The acquisition led to the creation of the Adidas-Salomon AG, marking Adidas's efforts to become a comprehensive sporting goods company catering to various sports industries.

Adidas acquired Reebok for approximately $3.8 billion in 2006 in a bid to expand its footprint in the North American market and better compete against its main rival, Nike. The acquisition aimed to combine Adidas's strength in international markets and its football associations with Reebok's popularity in the U.S., specifically in basketball and lifestyle footwear sector. The deal was one of the biggest in sportswear industry history.

In March 2017, Adidas launched its first 'Parley for the Oceans' footwear line, which featured shoes made from recycled ocean plastic. This initiative was part of a broader partnership with environmental organization Parley, underscoring Adidas's commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly practices. The innovative project aimed to reduce plastic waste worldwide by repurposing it into high-performance sportswear, setting new standards in the industry.

Adidas opened its first Speedfactory in Ansbach, Germany. The facility aimed to revolutionize the manufacturing process by utilizing advanced robotics and automation to produce running shoes. This move was designed to make the production process more efficient, allowing Adidas to respond quicker to market trends and consumer demands. The Speedfactory concept highlighted Adidas's focus on innovation and customization in modern manufacturing.

Amidst global protests against racial inequality following George Floyd's death, Adidas pledged to make significant changes in its corporate structure and business practices to better promote diversity and inclusion. The company committed to hiring more Black and Latinx employees and investing in Black communities. This effort was part of a broader industry movement focusing on racial justice, reflecting Adidas's commitment to social responsibility.

Adidas and the Italian luxury fashion house Prada announced a new partnership, launching a collection of clothing, footwear, and accessories known as the 'Adidas for Prada' collection. This collaboration aimed to blend Prada's fashion-forward aesthetics with Adidas's sportswear expertise, offering high-end products targeting consumers seeking luxury streetwear. The collaboration exemplified the growing trend of partnerships between upscale fashion and sportswear brands.