Adidas and Puma, two of the world's most powerful sporting brands, were founded by the Dassler brothers in Herzogenaurach, Germany, 60 years ago. Adolf and Rudolf Dassler, the brothers behind these iconic brands, had a tumultuous relationship that eventually led to the split of their company due to personal conflicts.

Adolf and Rudolf Dassler made shoes that were worn by Jesse Owens in 1936. Then they split, and founded Adidas and Puma, respectively.

You might not have heard of the German brothers Adolf (Adi) and Rudolf (Rudi) Dassler, but you have heard of the companies they founded: Adidas and Puma.

Those brothers, Rudolf and Adolf Dassler, had built one of the most successful athleticwear empires in Nazi Germany from inside their parents’ house. But bad blood between the brothers saw their empire split into two separate behemoths that still dominate the market today: Adidas and Puma.

In 1948 Rudolf established Puma, which was initially named Ruda (short for Ru dolf Da ssler) but later was renamed Puma after the animal. In 1949, Adolf established Adidas, likewise named for himself (Adi Das sler).