These Factoids are Shoe-Ins
Sunday
Brothers Adolph and Rudolph Dassler ran a successful shoe factory in Germany for 24 years before feuding and going their separate ways. Adidas became the brand named for ADolph DASsler, and Rudolph first named his shoes “Ruda” (RUdolph DAssler) but soon changed the name to “Puma”. The brothers are long dead, but their companies still compete to this day.
Monday
Speaking of brothers in the shoe business, Vans shoes are named for company co-founders Paul and Jim Van Doren.
Tuesday
The shoe Reebok is named after an African antelope, though spelled rhebok in the animal name.
Wednesday
Nike is the Greek winged goddess of victory. Notably, neither this name nor the iconic “swoosh” logo initially appealed to founder Phil Knight.
Thursday
Converse shoes were named after founder Marquis Mills Converse. The company has been a Nike subsidiary since 2003.
Friday
ASICS is an acronym from Latin, “Anima Sana In Corpore Sano” or “A Sound Mind in a Sound Body.”
Saturday
Chickens inspired the name “New Balance,” which founder William J. Riley watched in his yard and believed exhibited perfect balance as a result of their three-clawed foot. The three support points on the early shoe’s insole derived from this chicken foot revelation.