adidas Newsletter

adidas is one of the world's most recognised sportswear brands, founded on 18 August 1949 by Adolf "Adi" Dassler in Herzogenaurach, Germany. Built on a legacy stretching back to a family shoe workshop in the 1920s, the company grew into the largest sportswear manufacturer in Europe and the second largest globally. The iconic three stripes – first stitched onto shoes to set them apart from competitors – became one of the most distinctive marks in sports fashion. From performance footwear worn at the Olympics to lifestyle collections worn on city streets, adidas has always sat at the intersection of sport and culture.

Performance Sportswear for Every Athlete

adidas designs gear engineered for sport across a wide range of disciplines. Whether you train on the track, the pitch, the golf course or in the gym, the range covers the kit you need. Products include running shoes, football boots, training tops, sports bras, swimwear, workout leggings and headwear – all developed with athletes in mind. The performance line applies adidas technology such as Boost cushioning and Primeknit fabrics to help wearers perform at their best.

adidas Originals – Heritage and Street Style

Launched as a dedicated sub-brand, adidas Originals celebrates the company's archive of iconic designs reinterpreted for everyday wear. The range carries the Trefoil logo and draws on classic silhouettes with a streetwear sensibility. Landmark styles include the Samba, Gazelle and Stan Smith – sneakers rooted in the brand's competitive history that have become wardrobe staples across generations. Originals also extends into casualwear, tracksuits and accessories that blend heritage aesthetics with contemporary style.

Clothing for Men, Women and Children

adidas offers a full family range covering men, women and children. Collections span performance sport, casual everyday wear and the Originals lifestyle line, so it is possible to find something across age groups and activity levels. From junior football kits to women's yoga wear and men's golf clothing, the breadth of the catalogue reflects the brand's aim to make sport and style accessible to everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was adidas founded and where does the name come from?

adidas was founded on 18 August 1949 by Adolf "Adi" Dassler in Herzogenaurach, Germany. The name combines his nickname "Adi" with the first three letters of his surname, Dassler. Adi and his brother Rudolf had previously run the Dassler Brothers Shoe Factory together since 1924 before separating to found their own companies.

What is the difference between adidas Performance and adidas Originals?

adidas Performance products are engineered for sport, with features like responsive cushioning and moisture-management fabrics designed for athletic use. adidas Originals is a lifestyle sub-brand that reimagines classic adidas designs – such as the Samba and Gazelle – for everyday streetwear. Originals items carry the Trefoil logo rather than the Performance three-bar badge.

Is adidas the biggest sportswear brand in the world?

adidas is the largest sportswear manufacturer in Europe and the second largest in the world by revenue, after Nike. The company reported sales of approximately 21.4 billion euros in 2023, reflecting its scale across footwear, apparel and accessories sold in markets worldwide.

What are the most iconic adidas shoe models?

Among the most enduring adidas styles are the Stan Smith (originally a tennis shoe, later a global fashion staple), the Samba (developed for indoor football), the Gazelle (a 1960s training shoe revived as a streetwear classic) and the Superstar (a basketball shoe from 1969). These models sit within the Originals range and remain in continuous production.

Does adidas run true to size?

adidas footwear generally runs true to size. For adidas Originals sneakers in particular, the brand advises choosing your usual size, though going half a size up is suggested if you are between sizes or prefer a slightly roomier fit. Sizing can vary slightly between performance running shoes and lifestyle models, so checking the product-specific size guide is recommended.

What sports does adidas make equipment for?

adidas produces footwear, clothing and accessories for a broad range of sports including football, running, basketball, golf, tennis, swimming, athletics, gym training and outdoor activities. The brand also supplies kit to professional football clubs and national sports teams worldwide, and has long-standing partnerships with major sporting events and athletes.

This catalogue listing is part of the Catalink archive and may no longer be available to order. The information above describes adidas. For current details, visit the company's official website.