adidas

What is now the second largest sportswear company in the world, started with humble beginnings in Germany. With a goal to provide athletes with the best possible equipment, founder Adolf Dassler created a sole with spikes in his mother’s kitchen. Dassler convinced US athlete Jesse Owens to wear his shoes, and Owens went on to win the Gold at the 1936 Olympics, which provided exposure for the brand globally. Throughout the years, adidas has continued to innovate on its own technology, such as its proprietary Boost used in popular styles today like the Ultra Boost, Yeezy Boost and NMD. Brand partnerships with Jeremy Scott, Yohji Yamamoto, Kanye West, Rick Owens, Pharrell and many others have also helped to elevate the brand amongst streetwear and fashion enthusiasts alike.