Dasslers

The Dasslers were a German family of shoemaker brothers who played a pivotal role in the development of modern athletic footwear. The brothers Adolf “Adi” Dassler (1900–1978) and Rudolf “Rudi” Dassler (1898–1974) founded the athletic shoe company Gebrüder Dassler Schuhfabrik (Dassler Brothers Shoe Factory) in 1924 in Herzogenaurach, Bavaria. The business produced specialized footwear for track and field, football, and other sports, and grew to prominence in the prewar and postwar periods.

The Dasslers achieved early international attention when athletes wearing their shoes achieved success at the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin, notably Jesse Owens. The company cultivated a reputation for performance-enhancing footwear and distinctive designs, helping establish Germany as a major force in athletic equipment.

After World War II, tensions between Adi and Rudolf led to a split in 1948. Adi Dassler founded Adidas, a brand name derived from his nickname and surname, while Rudolf Dassler established Puma, a name taken from his nickname and the animal image. The split created a notable rivalry within the town of Herzogenaurach, where the two companies remained competitive neighbors for decades.

Over time, Adidas and Puma grew into global leaders in sportswear, expanding into apparel and sponsorships and contributing to broader developments in athletic gear, branding, and marketing. The Dassler split remains a frequently cited example of a family business faction that produced rival multinational brands and had a lasting impact on the sports industry.