The adidas Archive. The Footwear Collection. 40th Ed.

Adolf (Adi) and Rudolf Dassler made their first pair of sports shoes over 100 years ago, and this book presents a visual review of almost 200 models. The adidas archive is one of the largest archives of any sports goods manufacturer in the world, and photographers Christian Habermeier and Sebastian Jäger have been documenting it in extreme detail. The images reveal the fine details and personal stories of each individual wearer, from West Germanys football team during its 1954 World Cup win to custom models for stars from Madonna to Lionel Messi. Accompanied by expert texts, each picture tells us the why and the how, but also conveys the driving force behind adidas.

Format: Hardback
Length: 512 pages
Publication date: 15 May 2023
Publisher: Taschen GmbH

More than a century ago, the brothers Adolf (Adi) and Rudolf Dassler embarked on a remarkable journey that would shape the world of sports footwear. Their pioneering spirit and relentless pursuit of excellence led to the creation of countless groundbreaking designs, epic moments, and iconic collaborations. This captivating book presents a visual journey through nearly 200 models, offering a comprehensive retrospective of the iconic adidas shoe.

To better understand the needs of athletes, Dassler encouraged them to return their worn footwear, which he then stored in his attic. Today, many athletes still return their shoes to adidas, often as a heartfelt thank you after achieving a championship or breaking a world record. This collection, now known as the adidas archive, stands as one of the largest and most comprehensive archives of any sports goods manufacturer in the world.

For years, renowned photographers Christian Habermeier and Sebastian Jäger have meticulously documented the adidas archive in exquisite detail. Their stunning images, captured using the highest reproduction techniques, reveal the intricate details of each shoe, as well as the wear and tear that reflects the stories of their individual wearers. These images, presented in extraordinary high resolution, offer a rare glimpse into the personal journeys and achievements of athletes who have worn adidas shoes.

From the shoes worn by the West Germanys football team during their "miraculous" 1954 World Cup win to those worn by Kathrine Switzer when she defied gender barriers and ran the Boston Marathon in 1967, this book showcases a diverse range of models and collaborations. It features custom models for renowned stars such as Madonna, Lionel Messi, and Pharrell Williams, as well as groundbreaking partnerships with artists like Raf Simons, Stella McCartney, and Yohji Yamamoto.

In addition to showcasing the iconic designs and materials, this book delves into the driving force behind adidas. Expert texts accompany each picture, providing insights into the creative process, innovative technologies, and the brand's commitment to pushing boundaries. What emerges from this captivating journey is a profound appreciation for the enduring legacy of adidas and its profound impact on the world of sports and fashion.

Weight: 1140g
Dimension: 164 x 224 x 35 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783836591072
Edition number: Multilingual ed