When people think of global sportswear, Adidas is one of the first brands that comes to mind.
But a common question is: “Who is Adidas’s main competitor?”
The short answer is Nike, yet the competitive landscape is richer than a single rival.
This article explains who competes with Adidas, how markets differ, and what it means for customers.
Founded in Germany in 1949, Adidas is now the second-largest sportswear brand globally.
It is known for:
This wide reach sets the stage for competition across sports performance and fashion markets.
Nike, based in the United States, is the largest sportswear company in the world and Adidas’s main rival.
| Aspect | Adidas | Nike |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 1949, Germany | 1964 (as Blue Ribbon Sports), USA |
| Strength | Soccer, lifestyle collaborations | Basketball, running, global marketing |
| Revenue (2024 est.) | ~$25B | ~$51B |
Why Nike is the main competitor:
👉 Learn more on Nike’s official website.
While Nike leads, Adidas faces challenges from multiple strong brands:
| Brand | Competitive Edge |
|---|---|
| Puma | Streetwear and soccer focus; also German |
| Under Armour | Performance training gear and athletes |
| New Balance | Running and retro lifestyle sneakers |
| Lululemon | High-end yoga and athleisure |
| ASICS | Advanced running technology |
Each competitor focuses on specific niches that overlap with Adidas’s target markets.
| Category | Adidas | Nike |
|---|---|---|
| Soccer dominance | Sponsorship of FIFA and major clubs | Smaller soccer share |
| Running innovation | Boost midsole technology | Air Zoom & React foam |
| Fashion collabs | Yeezy, Gucci, Prada | Off-White, Travis Scott |
| Sustainability | Parley ocean plastic shoes | Move to Zero recycling program |
Both brands lead in innovation, style, and global distribution, but Nike remains the bigger revenue leader.
Competition also fuels eco-friendly innovation:
Consumers benefit from better materials and reduced environmental impact.
The Adidas–Nike rivalry results in:
Healthy competition ensures customers get cutting-edge sportswear with improved performance and value.
Q1: Who is Adidas’s biggest competitor?
👉 Nike is the top global competitor.
Q2: Are Puma and Adidas still related?
👉 No. Puma split from Adidas’s founder family in 1948 and is now independent.
Q3: Does Adidas compete with Lululemon?
👉 Yes, especially in yoga and athleisure segments.
Q4: Which brand is bigger today?
👉 Nike, with roughly double the revenue of Adidas.
So, who is the main competitor of Adidas?
✅ Nike is the primary global rival, thanks to its dominance in basketball, running, and marketing.
But Adidas also faces strong niche competition from Puma, Under Armour, New Balance, and others.
This global rivalry drives innovation, sustainability, and better options for athletes and lifestyle consumers worldwide.