What's in a Name?: PUMA

What do PUMA and adidas have in common? Aside from being world-renowned athletic shoe brands, both actually originated from the same company owned by a pair of brothers! (We love these kinds of business stories.) Today, PUMA remains a leader in the industry thanks to its impressive style and functionality innovations over the last century.

“Herzogenaurach has been a shoemaker's town since the middle ages. And over the years it has developed into the world's sport shoe capital.” – Helmut Fischer, “Mr. PUMA"

Fit for World-Class Athletes

During the aftermath of World War I, two brothers, Rudolf and Adolf Dassler, set out to create their own footwear brand. In 1919, they established the “Gebrüder Dassler Schuhfabrik” (Dassler Brothers Shoe Factory) in their parents’ home in Herzogenaurach, Germany, where they stayed until they moved into a proper manufacturing facility in 1924.

Thanks to the impressive quality of the shoes, the company quickly found success in the athletic footwear sector. Within a decade, the majority of German Olympic athletes sported “Gebrüder Dassler” spikes while competing in the summer games. In the next decade, over a dozen athletes wearing the spikes won medals, and several broke World and Olympic records, propelling the shoes into global renown.

After running the business for 28 years, the Dassler Brothers parted ways to establish separate ventures. Rudolf founded “Schuhfabrik Rudolf Dassler (RUDA)” in 1948, which soon became “PUMA Schuhfabrik Rudolf Dassler” (PUMA Shoe Factory Rudolf Dassler). Inspiration for the name came from the characteristics Rudolf believed all great athletes should possess and what he wanted his shoes to embody – speed, agility, and a strong spirit, much like a puma.

Groundbreaking Shoe Designs

Shortly after establishing his own brand, Rudolf released the PUMA ATOM – high-quality football boots (or soccer cleats, as the Yanks call it) that quickly debuted on the feet of the pros in international matches. Then, in 1952, the PUMA SUPER ATOM was introduced as the first-ever football boot with removable studs.

One the most significant milestones in the history of PUMA occurred in 1958 with the creation of the FORMSTRIP – a strip of leather on the outside of the boots that provided extra lateral support for the wearer. This iconic design element became a hallmark that is still seen on almost every pair of PUMA shoes.

Throughout the years, PUMA embraced evolution, adapting to the ever-changing trends in sports and fashion. The brand expanded its product line to also include apparel and accessories, captivating athletes and style enthusiasts alike.

The Power of a Puma

Inevitably, PUMA's journey intertwined with another athletic footwear giant – adidas, the company founded by Rudolf's brother, Adolf "Adi" Dassler. The two brothers' brands became fierce competitors, creating a sports rivalry that extended beyond business. This rivalry even spilled over into the world of sports, where athletes famously chose sides, adding to the intensity of the competition.

Today, PUMA's distinctive logo, the leaping puma, is a symbol of athletic excellence and modern style. The brand's commitment to innovation and performance has led to groundbreaking technologies in sports footwear, such as the PUMA KING with increased softness and comfort, the “Running System” RS-Computer shoe that translates data to help guide athlete performance improvements, and the PUMA DISC System that tightens to a perfect fit with the turn of a wheel.

As PUMA continues to leave its trailblazing mark in the world of sports and fashion, it stands as an iconic symbol of excellence. So, whether you're hitting the gym or strolling the streets in style, embrace the PUMA spirit within you.

For more business-naming stories, check out What's in a Name?: L.L. Bean, What's in a Name?: Spanx, and, of course, Penny Mustard: Our History.

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