Adidas

German sportswear brand founded in Herzogenaurach in 1949

Global athletic footwear, apparel and accessories rooted in performance sport, lifestyle collaborations and the three-stripe identity.

GermanyGermanySportsSportswearFootwearRunningFounded 1949

About Adidas

Adidas was registered in Herzogenaurach in 1949 by Adolf Dassler and grew into one of the world's largest sportswear companies. The brand spans performance categories such as football, running and training alongside lifestyle collections, and remains headquartered in the same Bavarian town where it was founded.

Why consider Adidas

  • Major European sportswear heritage with deep football and running roots
  • Wide range from elite performance to everyday lifestyle
  • Strong supply and retail presence across Europe
  • Innovation in materials such as Boost and Primeknit
  • Extensive sizing and category coverage for teams and individuals

Alternatives

Comparable non-European brands

Nike

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Under Armour

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Lululemon

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New Balance

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Brand comparison

BrandCountryPositioningMain categoryPrice level
AdidasGermanyGermanyPerformance sportswearSportswearMid to premium
PumaGermanyGermanySport and lifestyleSportswearMid-range
DecathlonFranceFranceAccessible sports retailSporting goodsValue to mid-range

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Brand details

Brand ownership

  1. Adidas AG

Market presence

  • Adidas brand stores
  • Sports retailers and department stores
  • Football clubs and federations
  • E-commerce and apps
  • Outlet and factory stores

Brand timeline

  1. 1949Adi Dassler registers Adidas after splitting from the Dassler brothers' business
  2. 1954German national team wins World Cup in Adidas boots
  3. 1970sBecomes a global sportswear name through football and Olympics visibility
  4. 2006Acquires Reebok to broaden its portfolio
  5. 2010sBoost cushioning and lifestyle collaborations reshape sneaker culture
  6. TodayGlobal sportswear leader with Herzogenaurach headquarters