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Right at home on the feet of Olympians, teenagers, rappers, and moms, adidas (that’s a lowercase “a”) revolutionized the athletic performance shoe market. Founded in 1920 by Adolf “Adi” Dassler, these cool kickers made their debut at the 1926 Amsterdam Olympics. Gold medalists in soccer, boxing, track, and tennis all seemed to be wearing adidas on their feet. The shoe became a staple for professional athletes around the world.

 

It wasn’t until the late 1960’s that mass market distribution in the United States would allow the brand to overtake the traditional Chuck Taylor Converse All-Stars as the basketball shoe of choice. Instead of the All-Star’s canvas body, adidas’ “Superstar” model featured a white leather body with a grooved rubber toe for additional protection on the court.
adidas had featured their triple stripe design since 1943, and in 1972, the trefoil “flower” logo was introduced. Teenagers immediately started snatching up the new style, and it became the universal choice in casual footwear. Other manufactures copied the adidas look, but never were able to capture the popularity of the original.

 

adidas branched out into the sportswear market for both men and women, creating their popular track-suit with it’s two-piece jacket and jogging pants combo. While the fabric styles have changed over the years – nylon, satin, velour – the colors and three-stripe design have maintained their cult status throughout the decades.

 

The sneaker has also made its mark on musical pop culture. In 1986, rappers Run-DMC paid homage to the label in their hit “My Adidas.” They became the first rap group to be sponsored by an athletic label, and they introduced suburban teenagers to the brand, giving it a whole new range of “cool.” Teens copied the group’s trademark style of taking out the laces and pulling out the tongue, making the “Superstar” model the ultimate street look until Nike and Reebok took over the scene in the late ‘80’s.

 

But a decade later, the Beastie Boys kicked it old school, and brought adidas back to the spotlight. Vintage styles were hot, in response to the new technical wizardly and neon colors of 1990’s sneakers. The “Superstar” model was re-introduced and a new generation sported the three stripes.

 

More than just a fashion statement, adidas is a cultural icon, and, more than 80 years after they first shone on that Olympic field, adidas continues with their goal of being “the best sports brand in the world.”