Brand Story
Puma SE is a German athletic apparel and footwear corporation headquartered in Herzogenaurach, Bavaria, Germany. Puma is the third largest sportswear manufacturer in the world. The company was founded in 1948 by Rudolf Dassler (1898–1974). In 1924, Rudolf and his brother Adolf "Adi" Dassler had jointly formed the company Gebrüder Dassler Schuhfabrik ('Dassler Brothers Shoe Factory'). The relationship between the two brothers deteriorated until they agreed to split in 1948, forming two separate entities, Adidas and Puma. Following the split, Rudolf originally registered the newly established company as Ruda (derived from Rudolf Dassler, as Adidas was based on Adi Dassler), but later changed the name to Puma. Puma's earliest logo consisted of a square and beast jumping through a D, which was registered, along with the company's name, in 1948.
Timeline
- 1948
Founded in Germany after Dassler split
Rudolf Dassler founds Ruda (later Puma) in Herzogenaurach after a feud with his brother Adolf (Adidas).
- 1958
Form-strip logo introduced
Puma's signature side stripe becomes the brand's most recognizable visual.
- 1968
Tommie Smith Black Power salute
Olympic medalist Tommie Smith wears Pumas during the famous Black Power salute at the Mexico City Olympics.
- 1985
Suede crosses into hip-hop
B-boys adopt the Puma Suede as the unofficial sneaker of breakdancing and early NYC hip-hop.
- 2014
Rihanna becomes Creative Director
Fenty Puma by Rihanna launches the Creeper, named Shoe of the Year by Footwear News.