a history of adidas: adi dassler's first track and field shoes OnThisDay, German shoe company Adidas was founded. The history of Adidas dates back to the mid 1920s, when two brothers Adolf and Rudolf Dassler began developing spiked running shoes in their Adolf Dassler was one of the most visionary figures in the world of athletic footwear. Beginning in the 1920s by producing simple sports shoes, Dassler founded Adi Dassler addas Sportschuhfabrik in 1949. Adolf Dassler was one of the most visionary figures in the world of athletic footwear. Beginning in the 1920s by producing simple sports shoes, Dassler founded Adi Dassler addas Sportschuhfabrik in 1949. Kith Classics for adidas Heritage Running adidas Spiritain 2000 'White Yellow Navy' GY8007 US 9