Adolf Dassler biography: 13 things about Herzogenaurach, Germany native who founded Adidas

Adolf “Adi” Dassler was a German cobbler, inventor and entrepreneur. He was a member of the Nazi party.

Dassler and his wife Käthe Martz Dassler have five children together. Born in Herzogenaurach, Erlangen-Höchstadt, Bavaria, Germany to Christoph Dassler and Pauline Dassler, Adi was 2 years younger than his brother Rudolf “Rudi” Dassler.

On July 1, 1924, Adi registered Gebrüder Dassler Sportschuhfabrik, a shoe factory in Herzogenaurach. On August 18, 1949, it became the sportswear company Adidas.

Adi was one of the first entrepreneurs who obtained endorsements from athletes to drive product sales. Here are 13 more things about him:

1. On July 1, 1923, his brother Rudi joined his firm, which developed shoes.
2. On March 17, 1934, he married Käthe.
3. In 1935, he joined the Hitler Youth movement.
4. On March 12, 1936, Käthe gave birth to their son Horst Dassler.
5. In June 1938, Käthe gave birth to their daughter Inge Dassler.
6. In 1941, In June 1938, Käthe gave birth to their daughter Karin Dassler.
7. In May 1946, Käthe gave birth to their daughter Brigit Dassler.
8. On July 13, 1946, he was declared a belasteter, the second most serious category of Nazi offenders. He was later reclassified as a minderbelasteter or a lesser offender. On November 11, 1946, his status was changed to mitläufer or a follower.
9. In 1948, his brother Rudi founded the sportswear manufacturer Puma.
10. In 1953, Käthe gave birth to their daughter Sigrid Dassler.
11. On October 27, 1974, his brother Rudi died in Herzogenaurach at age 76.
12. On November 3, 1977, he turned 77.
13. On September 6, 1978, he died in Herzogenaurach.