Adolf and Rudolf Dassler, the Cain and Abel of sports shoes
- Posted on August 16, 2026
- By Le Monde
- 1 Views
- 1 min read
In brief
The Dassler brothers' remarkable entrepreneurial journey transformed from collaborative success into one of sport's most iconic rivalries. Adolf and Rudolf built a thriving shoe manufacturing enterprise in Germany during the 1920s-1930s, revolutionizing athletic footwear through innovation and craftsmanship. World War II's aftermath forced their separation, compelling each brother to establish competing empires—Adidas and Puma—that channeled their personal conflict into relentless market competition, ultimately reshaping the global sports industry forever.
Summary auto-generated by AI from the original publisher's content. Editorial standards.
Adolf and Rudolf Dassler, the Cain and Abel of sports shoes
'Sewn and torn' (6/6). Love stories and friendships can sometimes end badly, even in the world of fashion. United by their passion for sports, the two German brothers grew their shoe factory for more than a decade. Separated by WWII, each went on to create his own brand, Adidas and Puma, through which their fierce rivalry was played out.
