Adidas is a German maker of sports shoes and clothing, headquartered in Herzogenaurach. Its name comes from its founder, Adolf "Adi" Dassler, who first made sports shoes in the laundry room of his mother's house. In 1924 his older brother, Rudolf, joined him and the business was called Gebrüder Dassler Schuhfabrik. The name became known worldwide after the American runner Jesse Owens wore spiked shoes handmade by Adi at the 1936 Olympics. In 1949 the two brothers split: Adolf founded Adidas and Rudolf founded Puma. Its easiest feature to recognize is the three stripes on its shoe and clothing designs. Today Adidas is the second-largest maker of sports equipment in the world after Nike. For buyers of secondhand shoes, this long history means there are many different models and production eras to learn to recognize.
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Adi Dassler started making sports shoes after coming home from World War I, in the laundry room of his mother's house in Herzogenaurach. The town's electricity supply was unreliable at the time, so the Dassler brothers sometimes ran their equipment on pedal power from a stationary bike. Adi helped develop spiked shoes for a range of athletic events. He moved from heavy metal spikes to canvas and rubber so the shoes were better to wear. Before World War II, they sold around 200,000 pairs a year.
The relationship between the two brothers broke down. In 1947 they separated, and on 18 August 1949 Adolf registered Adidas, a name taken from "Adi Dassler". Rudolf formed his own company, which later became Puma. Their rivalry divided Herzogenaurach, until the town was nicknamed "the town of bent necks" because people looked down at the shoes strangers were wearing. As for the acronym "All Day I Dream About Sports", our sources call it a widely circulated misconception.
The three stripes became Adidas's identity after they bought them in 1952 from the Finnish company Karhu Sports, for the equivalent of €1,600 and two bottles of whiskey. The Trefoil logo was designed in 1971 and launched in 1972, then used until 1997. In that year the "three bars" logo designed by Peter Moore appeared, first used on the Equipment line. These logo changes often help us estimate the era of a product.
- Samba: Described as Adidas's most successful shoe, thanks to its retro design and how flexibly it can be worn.
- Superstar: A basketball shoe that has been made in the team colorways of the NBA, NBDL, and WNBA.
- Stan Smith: Its design is well known enough that Adidas sued Skechers in 2016 for copying it.
- Adidas 1: The first mass-produced running shoe with a microprocessor that automatically adjusts the firmness of the cushioning, released in 2005.
What we check before listing
We usually start with the sole: how worn the tread is, whether the midsole has yellowed or turned brittle, and whether the sole is starting to come off at the toe or heel. The stitching, especially around the three stripes, should be neat, straight, and symmetrical on both sides. We match the logo on the tongue, insole, and heel to the era of the model, for example Trefoil or three bars. The size label and production code inside should be clearly legible, and the font should be consistent with its pair. We also note odor, stains on the inside, and the condition of the insole, because with used shoes, cleanliness is what you notice most. All of this is our observation, not a guarantee of authenticity.
Caring for it
Clean the shoes with a soft brush and a damp cloth, then dry them in the shade, away from direct sunlight. For leather, canvas, or suede, use a cleaner suited to the material and do not soak the shoes for too long. Store them in a dry place with air circulation so the midsole does not stay damp and turn brittle quickly. Shoes that have not been worn for a long time should be worn or aired out once in a while.
FAQ
What does the name Adidas mean?
The name comes from Adi Dassler, the company's founder, and it was registered on 18 August 1949. The acronym "All Day I Dream About Sports" is often quoted, but according to our sources it is a popular misconception.
Are Adidas and Puma still connected?
They are separate companies. Adolf Dassler founded Adidas and his older brother, Rudolf, founded Puma after they split in the 1940s. The two then competed fiercely.
How can you tell the era of an Adidas shoe from its logo?
The Trefoil logo was designed in 1971, launched in 1972, and used until 1997. After that the three bars logo appeared. The logo is only a first clue, so it still needs to be looked at together with the label, the shape, and the materials.
Is it safe to buy secondhand Adidas shoes?
It depends on the condition. Look at the tread, the strength of the midsole, the stitching, and the cleanliness of the inside. We check these things and note the condition, but we do not give a guarantee of authenticity.
References
Facts summarised and rewritten from the sources above (CC BY-SA licence).