Adidas Gazelle sneakers

The adidas Gazelle is one of the most iconic silhouettes in the history of athletic footwear. Originally debuting in the mid-1960s, it was the first adidas shoe to be crafted from suede rather than traditional smooth leather, a choice that made it lighter and more vibrant. Over the decades, it transitioned from a specialized training shoe for indoor sports and track to a global cultural icon, embraced by various subcultures from 1980s hip-hop to the Britpop movement of the 90s.

While the brand's heart remains in Germany, footwear production is carried out through an expansive global network of Tier 1 suppliers. Today, the vast majority of adidas sneakers are manufactured in Asia, with Vietnam, Indonesia, and China serving as the primary production hubs. These facilities utilize advanced assembly techniques to maintain the classic aesthetic and quality the brand is known for.

Ownership of the brand has evolved significantly since its founding by Adolf 'Adi' Dassler in 1949. Originally a family-run business, the Dassler family sold their remaining shares in the early 1990s. Today, adidas AG is a publicly traded corporation listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. It is one of the few major sportswear giants that remains headquartered in its country of origin, operating out of Herzogenaurach, Germany, and managing a portfolio of brands that have shaped modern sports and street culture.