Adidas: verified facts, product lines, sizing and buying tips

Adidas was founded in 1949 by Adi Dassler in Herzogenaurach, Germany. The brand grew from a regional shoe maker into a global sportswear company.

Today the catalog includes classic Originals models, technical running and training shoes, football products, plus apparel and accessories.

The Adidas mission: "To be the best sports brand in the world." The purpose: "Through sport we have the power to change lives."

This explains why the range combines performance sportswear with lifestyle lines drawn from the brand's archive.

Headquarters are at World of Sports, Adi-Dassler-Straße 1, 91074 Herzogenaurach, Germany.

Bjørn Gulden has been CEO since January 2023.

Adidas sells footwear, apparel and accessories. In 2025, footwear made up 57% of net sales, apparel 35% and accessories 7%.

The offer splits into Performance (sport) and Lifestyle (Originals). A Samba, an Ultraboost and a Predator serve very different purposes — compare within the same category.

Key lifestyle models include Samba, Gazelle, Stan Smith and Superstar. In performance, Adizero and Ultraboost (running) and Predator and F50 (football) stand out.

When comparing prices, search by exact line name to separate heritage lifestyle models from technical sport products.

Adidas recommends measuring heel-to-toe and checking the size chart. Between sizes: go down for a tighter fit, up for a looser one.

Fit varies by line. Samba runs narrow, Ultraboost often fits better a half size up for wide feet, and Predator is intentionally snug.

Always compare exact model names. A cheaper offer may be a lower tier, older generation or different sole — especially with football boots (Firm Ground vs. Turf vs. Indoor).

Check materials and collaborations, as premium versions cost significantly more. For fit-sensitive models, pick a retailer with clear return policies.

Adidas reported record 2025 revenue of €24,811 million and employed 64,938 people worldwide.

Adidas AG is listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange and is part of the DAX.