adidas AG is the world's second-largest athletic footwear and apparel company, founded in 1949 in Herzogenaurach, Germany by Adolf "Adi" Dassler. The three-stripes logo — originally added for shoe reinforcement by Dassler in 1949 — has become one of the most recognized trademarks in sports.
Foundational models
adidas's catalog spans performance, lifestyle, and heritage silhouettes. The Samba (1950) and Gazelle (1968) originated as football and indoor training shoes and have become defining lifestyle silhouettes. The Superstar (1969) brought basketball footwear to hip-hop culture after Run-DMC's 1986 anthem "My Adidas." The Stan Smith (1973), originally a tennis shoe, is among the best-selling sneakers of all time with over 50 million pairs sold.
Modern performance
The Ultra Boost (2015) introduced Boost cushioning — a BASF-developed TPU foam that redefined running footwear comfort. NMD (2015) combined Boost with Primeknit uppers and became a lifestyle hit. Solar Boost, Pureboost, and Adizero series continue the performance running line.
Partnerships and collaborations
adidas's Yeezy partnership with Kanye West (2015-2022) produced the most influential signature sneaker line of the 2010s — Yeezy 350, 500, 700, 750, Foam Runner. The partnership ended in October 2022 after public controversy, but the remaining Yeezy inventory continued to release through 2023-2024. adidas has also partnered with Pharrell Williams (Human Race NMD, Hu NMD Samba), Kith (Ronnie Fieg), Bad Bunny (Campus, Gazelle), Wales Bonner, and Y-3 (Yohji Yamamoto).
Athlete signature lines
adidas Basketball has signed James Harden, Damian Lillard, Derrick Rose, Anthony Edwards (AE 1), and Candace Parker among others. The Samba's crossover into fashion circa 2023-2024 — driven by Jorja Smith, Kate Moss, and Bella Hadid — pushed the silhouette to unprecedented mainstream adoption.
adidas is traded on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (ADS) and owns Reebok's athletic licenses from 2005 through 2021, before divesting to Authentic Brands Group.