Founder Profile
Adolf Dassler
Last reviewed: September 2026 · By Swet Parvadiya
Who is Adolf Dassler?
Adolf Dassler is a founder of Adidas AG, which was founded in 1949.
- Company founded
- Adidas AG
- Founded
- 1949
Background
Adolf Adi Dassler worked in the Dassler Brothers Shoe Factory with his brother Rudolf before the brothers separated. Adolf registered Adidas in Herzogenaurach in 1949; Rudolf founded Puma.
Founding Story
Adolf Dassler was the sole founder of Adidas. He developed sport-specific footwear, sought athlete feedback, and registered the Adidas company and 3-Stripes footwear in 1949. His earlier work with Rudolf Dassler belongs to the predecessor Dassler Brothers business, not to Adidas's founder list.