Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford
Adidas v Puma: A Battle of Boots and Brothers
Jun 21, 2024
The feuding Dassler brothers sparked a legendary rivalry that transformed the athletic shoe industry, birthing Adidas and Puma. The tension was so fierce it divided their hometown, Herzogenaurach, along brand loyalties. Pelé's choice of Puma boots before the 1970 World Cup not only skyrocketed sales but also intensified competition. Through personal journeys and innovative spirit, the brothers’ turmoil overpowered their shared love for craft, impacting generations of sports branding and igniting debates on whether their hatred was a distraction or a catalyst for greatness.
39:42
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Quick takeaways
- The bitter rivalry between Adidas and Puma led to innovation in sports shoes.
- Employee motivation and shared values were crucial to the success of Adidas and Puma.
Deep dives
The Origin of Adidas and Puma in Herzogenaurach
In the small town of Herzogenaurach, Germany, brothers Adi and Rudolf Dassler founded Adidas and Puma, respectively. Adi Dassler started making shoes from old army kits and eventually designed innovative sports shoes. Both brothers joined the Nazi party and capitalized on the opportunity to make sports shoes, leading to the success of Adidas and Puma.
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