100 years ago in mother's laundry room
In 1920 Adi developed his first shoe models in his mother’s laundry room. No one could have guessed that this is the beginning of the greatest success story in sports industry.
From Herzogenaurach into the world
Diligence, ingenuity, and down-to-earth hospitality were the key ingredients of Adi and Käthe Dassler’s unique success story.
The miracle of Bern
“Adi, stud up!”, spoke Sepp Herberger. In 1954, the German national team performed the “Miracle of Bern”. Shoes with detachable studs marked a major breakthrough for adidas.
From shoemaker to global brand
Adi Dassler began producing shoes in Herzogenaurach in 1920 with only the simplest of means. 62 years later, adidas had become the worlds’ largest sports shoe manufacturer.
One of them
In close collaboration with athletes and coaches, Adi Dassler worked tirelessly to create perfect footwear. The idea of providing sportsmen with the best possible gear and equipment shaped his life.
Previous
NextLife and Work
From humble beginnings in his mother’s laundry room and early success with running shoes, through difficult times during and after World War II, to eventual dominance at the head of a global enterprise, from 1900 to 1984, Adi and Käthe Dassler set significant milestones in the history of sports and business.
Memorabilia and Archive
Numerous documents, handwritten notes, extensive correspondence and many photographs bear witness to the fascinating story of the Dassler family. The Adi & Käthe Dassler Memorial Foundation archive grants access to historical records upon substantiated request.