Bedroom slipper’s made with used tire soles were the first products developed by the Dassler family. Little did they know, their small shoe-making business would turn into one of the biggest sports apparel manufacturer in the world. The name adidas came from its founder Adolf (Adi) Dassler. He and his brother, Rudolf Dassler, founded the company in 1948 after they had been producing shoes for more than 20 years.
In 1920, Adi decided to expand their bedroom slippers line to light-weight gymnastic shoes, and soccer shoes that had cleats nailed to the bottom. Because of his successful development, they were able to build a new factory which increased their efficiency for producing shoes. Horst, Adi’s son, used the Olympics as an international marketing tool to promote the brand globally. He gave away his shoes to Olympic athletes to wear in their events which were seen by millions around the world.
In 1957, adidas produced a nylon cleat with molded rubber studs that were lighter and more durable. Following this design, adidas contracted with every German Olympic team to supply their line of shoes. A year later, Adi entered the U.S. market and expanded his strictly athletic shoes company to include casual footwear. This expansion helped the German shoe business compete with the top brands in its foreign market.
Since the company started in 1948, adidas has gone through several generations of shoe designs and has also come out with several varieties of sports apparel. They have developed innovative designs to improve their apparel and shoes to satisfy every athletes needs.
Today, one of their most recent enhancements is their line of Climacool shirts, shorts, track suits, and shoes. Climacool keeps an athletes body temperature at the optimal level during their performance. A study for this new product focuses on the reaction of athlete’s bodies when put through heated conditions. The result of the study is a 3-D fabric that resists sticking to an athlete’s body which, in turn, gives the athlete maximum ventilation. This 3-D fabric is positioned in parts of the apparel and shoes that are seen as the most perspired areas by the body. adidas introduces their new innovation at the 2004 Olympics in Athens which was one of the hottest Olympics ever! Since the launch, Climacool has been a huge success, and they are continuing to expand its line.
However, adidas has not kept their focus on just apparel for the athlete. adidas Originals is a line of clothing and shoes that date back to their classic logo, the trefoil. The leaves of the trefoil represent the world, and the three stripes wrapped around the leaves exhibits adidas as a worldwide brand. adidas Originals presents a sense of authenticity and individualism for the fashion-conscious. The three-stripped track suit is the most popular attire from this “fashion” line.
adidas is also involved in the ever-growing rugby population of today. They produce rugby-specific cleats including such boots as the Predator PS Rugby XTRX SG and the Nine 15 III SG. These boots are catered to meet the high demands of a rugby game. They have also started producing equipment and protective gear. adidas sponsors premier rugby teams such as the All Blacks, Munster, and in the past have sponsored the U.S. Rugby Team.
This brand loyal name called adidas, has been one of the top leaders in the world of modern sports. They are constantly making innovations to their products to remain at the top and satisfy their customer’s needs in every way.
