Adidas History: 15 of the Brand's Most Momentous Firsts
From sport to fashion to music, Adidas is all in. Here is a look back at 15 of the brand’s most momentous firsts.
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1954: Berne World Cup
Adolf Dassler created the first modern football shoe with screw-in studs, helping the German national football team defeat the unbeatable Hungarians.
1966: Haillet-Smith Deal
Adidas’ first shoe endorsed by an athlete was a low-top leather tennis sneaker worn first by Robert Haillet and then rechristened for Stan Smith (pictured).
1967: Kathrine Switzer
While wearing Adidas sneakers, Switzer became the first woman to run the Boston Marathon as an official registered participant.
1970: Superstar
Adidas launched its low-top leather basketball shoe with a shell toe. It evolved from an on-the-court staple to a pop-culture icon.
1972: Adilette
The first slide made for the shower debuts initially for pro athletes and later releases to the public in 1976.
1972: Samba
Adidas releases the first commercial indoor version of the Samba, based on a 1950 soccer boot created by Dassler for snowy pitches.
1973: Billie Jean King
As King (pictured on throne) launched her fight for equal payment in sports at the “Battle of the Sexes,” partner Adidas released the first colored and women’s tennis shoe.
1986: Run-D.M.C.
Adidas became the first sports brand to sponsor musicians and artists, starting with its partnership with hip-hop group Run-D.M.C.
1994: Predator
A new generation of football shoes began with the Predator, featuring ridges to increase friction. It was worn by top players including David Beckham.
2003: Y-3
Adidas and designer Yohji Yamamoto created the Y-3 label, marking the first time a sports brand ventured into fashion.
2004: Stella McCartney
Adidas partnered with designer Stella McCartney to develop the first women’s sportswear combining functionality and style.
2013: Boost
Adidas altered the running world with its first Boost midsole delivering maximum energy return and responsiveness. It’s followed in 2015 by the hit Ultraboost.
2015: Parley
As part of its sustainability commitment, Adidas teamed with Parley for the Oceans to create the first upper made from recycled marine plastic waste.
2017: Futurecraft 4D
Ever the innovator, Adidas unveiled the first performance footwear crafted with light and oxygen, using Digital Light Synthesis.
2021: Stan Smith Mylo
Adidas chose the iconic Stan Smith sneaker to debut its first use of Mylo, a bio-based material made from mycelium fungus.
