
Who would of stunk it! That these two sneaker power houses were not only related but had a mean ass rivalry to go with it! Read the Newsweek article all about it! I am an Adidas fan so its not secret what side I'm on!
By
Jennifer Barrett | Newsweek Web Exclusive
Adidas and Puma may be among the most recognized brands in the
world, but neither might exist if not for a bitter rivalry between two
brothers from a little-known village in Germany. In the 1920s, Adolf
(Adi) Dassler, a soft-spoken sports fanatic who spent hours working on
shoe designs in his workshop, and Rudolf Dassler, a gregarious
salesman, started a small shoe making business in the Bavarian enclave
of Herzogenaurach, focusing primarily on hand-sewn athletic footwear.
But as their business took off, the two brothers grew increasingly
frustrated with each other. They disagreed on everything from politics,
the future of the company and one anther's choice in wives.
Finally,
in the mid-1940s Rudolf left in a huff and set up a rival shop across
the river, while Adi remained in the initial plant. His company was
renamed Adidas, and in 1948 Rudolf registered his new company, Puma.
NEWSWEEK's Jennifer Barrett spoke with Barbara Smit, author of the new
book "Sneaker Wars" (Ecco; $26.95), about how a family feud spawned two
of the biggest brands in global sports. Excerpts:
NEWSWEEK:
Most people wearing Pumas or Adidas today likely have no idea that two
estranged German brothers founded the companies. How did you become
interested in their story?
Barbara Smit:By Jennifer Barrett | Newsweek Web Exclusive
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