cover of episode Adidas v Puma: A Battle of Boots and Brothers

Adidas v Puma: A Battle of Boots and Brothers

2024/6/21
logo of podcast Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford

Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford

Chapters

The mayor of Herzogenaurach wears both Adidas and Puma shoes to symbolize peace between the two companies, which were founded by feuding brothers and have deeply divided the town.

Shownotes Transcript

Adi and Rudi Dassler made sports shoes together - until a feud erupted between them. They set up competing companies, Adidas and Puma, and their bitter rivalry divided the sporting world, their family and even the inhabitants of their home town. 

The Dassler clan turned bickering into an art form - even drawing the likes of soccer legend Pele into their dispute. But did the brilliant fires of hatred produce two world-class companies, or was it a needless distraction from the Dasslers' love for their craft?    

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