From Stripes to Speed Nine adidas Shoes That Defined Decades

From the first Three-Stripes training models to marathon-tested speed machines, adidas has used footwear to tell its whole brand story. Each decade brought a new shoe solving a specific problem, from frozen football pitches to 100 km lab runs. These nine pairs trace how performance needs, cultural moments, and athlete milestones turned functional designs into global icons that still shape how people play, walk, and run today.

From football pitches to marathon routes, adidas has spent over 75 years shaping sports and cultural history. Each milestone in its footwear evolution tells a story of innovation, courage, and design that went far beyond performance.

The First Three-Stripes Shoe

When Adi Dassler founded adidas in 1949, he created the first shoe to bear the now-famous three stripes as a functional detail for stability, not just a logo. The design wasn’t about fashion, rather it was about helping athletes compete better. Those stripes soon became a global symbol of dedication and quality, marking the start of what would become one of the world’s most recognizable trademarks.

The Original Walking Shoe

Before adidas revolutionized running, it focused on walking. The brand’s early designs, featuring durable leather and flexible soles, supported the natural movement of the foot and laying the groundwork for performance footwear as a whole. These first walking models from 1950 blended athletic craftsmanship with comfort, making movement more accessible long before “athleisure” became a trend.

Built for Frozen Football Pitches

Post-war Germany presented athletes with real challenges, especially on icy fields. To meet these demands, adidas introduced football boots with screw-in studs, letting players adjust footing depending on field conditions. This innovation, tested in some of Europe’s toughest winters, completely transformed how football was played. It also gave adidas its first major international acclaim, the Samba from 1950.

A Shoe That Shaped German Football History

That acclaim came to life during the 1954 World Cup, when West Germany defeated Hungary in what’s now called the Miracle of Bern. The team wore adidas boots with those revolutionary interchangeable studs. The victory was not only a turning point in national pride but also cemented adidas as a trusted companion of champions.

Worn by Kathrine Switzer in Boston

In 1967, Kathrine Switzer became the first woman to officially run the Boston Marathon, making history while wearing adidas shoes. Her determination and defiance of gender barriers mirrored the brand’s core belief that sport belongs to everyone. The moment became one of the most powerful intersections of sport and social change, reinforcing adidas’ identity as a brand beyond competition.

The First of Many

Throughout the 1970s, adidas launched numerous styles that went on to define decades of athletic culture—from tennis courts to basketball courts. Each release built on the last, evolving technology while maintaining timeless design elements. Every “first” opened the door for countless successors, embodying a philosophy rooted in constant reinvention.

Designed for the Shower, Turned into an Icon

What began as a simple locker room essential became one of adidas’ most unexpected global icons: the Adilette slide. First introduced in 1972, it was designed for athletes to wear in communal showers. Decades later, it’s become a daily staple worldwide—worn casually from Los Angeles to Tokyo, bridging sport and streetwear in effortless style.

Changed the Game for Players Everywhere

The introduction of football innovations like the Predator and F50 lines proved that engineering could enhance an athlete’s performance. Textured uppers, lightweight materials, and precision designs gave players new levels of control and speed. From David Beckham to Lionel Messi, generations of athletes have worn these boots to rewrite football history.

100 km in Under 6 Hours: Nardò Proved It

In 2017, adidas took endurance to the extreme with its ultra-fast running technology. At the Nardò Technical Center in Italy, runners covered 100 km in under six hours, validating innovations in cushioning and energy return. This test was proof of how data-driven design and athlete feedback continue to push boundaries.

A Legacy Still Running Strong

From post-war Germany to cutting-edge speed labs, adidas has evolved far beyond a sportswear brand—it’s a global design leader that merges technology, culture, and community. Each shoe in its history has marked a leap forward not only for athletics but for what footwear can mean in our daily lives.