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adidas-sneaker-history

Adidas
Sneaker
History

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1949

ADIDAS formed by Adolf Dassler after feud with brother Rudolf who then went on to form Puma.

1950

Samba is released as a football training shoe in response to the cold weather. It's since grown out of it's original purpose and is now considered a modern classic, particularly in the UK.

1965

Haillet shoe is released and is later renamed adidas Stan Smith after historic tennis player. Such a good move from adidas that even Stan Smith's competitors beat him wearing his own shoes!

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1968

Dick Fosbury wears odd coloured adidas high jump shoes to the Olympic Games and wins Gold performing the 'Fosbury Flop'. The first adidas Gazelle was also released this year.

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1969

Adidas Superstar released and endorsed free of charge by Run-DMC allegedly in impersonation of 'prison style' worn by inmates. After not being taken so seriously by adidas, Run DMC released the song 'My adidas' to prove to the brand just how successful their endorsement was and were offered a deal shortly after. This was considered the start of the Hip Hop sneaker culture we know of today.

1971

Tournament suede basketball shoe released

1975

Nizza first introduced – adidas' answer to the Converse All Star. Nizza was developed as a well priced shoe for sport and leisure activities before being strongly associated with basketball. In recent times, the Nizza has become a popular choice of footwear amongst many sub-cultures.

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1978

Tobacco released – now categorised as part of the adidas Originals range.

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1979

 Forest Hills was originally released as a tennis shoe but has since gained legendary status amongst UK football fans.

1980

Campus released and later championed by the Beastie Boys!

1982

Copa Mundial football boot heavily endorsed during 1982 World Cup – to this day there have been over 10million pairs sold.

1984

Adicolor Hi released with a pack of felt tip pens for people to create their own customs.

1984

Adidas LA Trainer released to coincide with Olympic Games in Los Angeles. This was the first trainer to use the patented peg cushioning system.

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1992

The Mutombo was released in homage to University graduate basketball player Dikembe Mutombo, much to the surprise of the public ad he was virtually unknown!

1992

Adidas Predator invented by former Middlesbrough & Liverpool player Craig Johnston. He approached adidas, Nike, Reebok & Puma with his invention who all shunned the boot to begin with before adidas finally offered him a deal after he interrupted a board meeting to pitch them with a video!

1996

Dave Mirra BMX inspired shoes

2000

The 'Kobe' released as his third signature model. Remembered as the original space boots, the 'Kobe' was renamed the 'Crazy 1' since being considered a retro sneaker.

2002

Climacool – the ultimate breathable running shoe

2011

Busenitz introduced to revamp their current skate line

2012

AdiZero Primeknit

2013

Energy Boost™ released with TORSION® technology for mid-foot arch support.

2015

Adidas infamous collaboration with Kanye West revealed and the Yeezy Boost 750 sold out within 10 minutes of its release.

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