Which rival brand was founded by Rudolf Dassler’s brother? Adidas was founded by Adolf “Adi” Dassler.
Rudolf and Adolf Dassler first worked together in their family’s athletic-shoe business, the Gebrüder Dassler Schuhfabrik, established in Herzogenaurach, Germany. Their partnership helped popularize specialized sports shoes, including spiked running footwear.
The brothers separated after years of personal and business conflict. Rudolf formed Puma in 1948, while Adolf registered Adidas on 18 August 1949. The name Adidas combines Adolf’s nickname, “Adi,” with the first three letters of his surname, “Das.”
The rivalry was unusually personal because both companies remained based in Herzogenaurach. The town became associated with the brands, and even local football loyalties divided along Puma and Adidas lines. Reebok and Nike are also major sportswear companies, but neither was founded by Rudolf Dassler’s brother. The precise distinction is that Adolf helped establish the earlier brothers’ company with Rudolf, then founded Adidas as an independent brand after the split.