Adidas

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Adidas AG is a multinational corporation, founded and headquartered in Herzogenaurach, Germany, that designs and manufactures shoes, clothing, and accessories. It is the largest sportswear manufacturer in Europe, and the second largest in the world, after Nike. The company is a holding company for the Adidas Group, which consists of the Reebok sportswear company, 8.33% of the Bayern Munich football team, and Runtastic, an Austrian fitness technology company. Adidas' revenue for 2018 was listed at €21.915 billion.

History

The company was started by Adolf Dassler in his mother's house; he was joined by his elder brother Rudolf Dassler in 1924 under the name Dassler Brothers Shoe Factory. Dassler assisted in the development of spiked running shoes (spikes) for multiple athletic events. To enhance the quality of spiked athletic footwear, he transitioned from a previous model of heavy metal spikes to utilising canvas and rubber. In 1949, following a breakdown in the relationship between the brothers, Adolf created Adidas, and Rudolf established Puma, which became Adidas' business rival.

Adidas' logo, the three stripes, was purchased from the Finnish sport company Karhu Sports in 1952. The brand name is uncapitalized and is stylized with a lower case "a".

Products

Adidas manufactures a wide range of products that include footwear, sportswear, and other accessories. Some of its most iconic products include the Adidas Stan Smith, Superstar, and the Adidas Gazelle shoes. The company is also known for its clothing line, which includes t-shirts, jackets, hoodies, and sports equipment.

Sponsorships

Adidas is a major sponsor of athletes, sports teams, and sporting events. The company has long-term partnerships with major sports leagues and associations, including the FIFA World Cup, the NBA, and the Olympic Games. Adidas also sponsors individual athletes across a wide range of sports, including soccer, basketball, tennis, and golf.

Sustainability

Adidas has made commitments to sustainability, including pledges to reduce plastic use and increase the use of recycled materials in its products. The company has launched several initiatives aimed at reducing its environmental impact, such as the "Parley for the Oceans" collaboration, which creates products made from upcycled plastic waste intercepted from beaches and coastal communities.

Controversies

Over the years, Adidas has faced various controversies, including issues related to labor practices and environmental impact. The company has been criticized for its supply chain practices, including the use of sweatshops and child labor. Adidas has responded to these criticisms by implementing stricter oversight of its supply chain and increasing transparency regarding its labor practices.

See Also

• Nike, Inc.
• Puma SE
• Reebok
• Sportswear (activewear)