Adidas, a brand with European roots, primarily manufactures its sports shoes outside the continent. The brand collaborates with over 500 factories in more than 55 countries, mostly through independent contractors rather than owning the facilities.
This article will explore the locations of these factories, pinpointing which country is the largest producer of Adidas shoes.
Contents
When Were Adidas Shoes First Made?
Adidas, now a global sportswear giant, began as Dassler Brothers Shoe Factory in 1924 in Herzogenaurach, Germany. Founded by Adolf ‘Adi’ Dassler in his mother’s laundry room, the company gained significant attention when U.S. sprinter Jesse Owens wore their shoes at the 1936 Summer Olympics. The brand enjoyed widespread popularity until World War II.
In 1947, due to personal differences, the Dassler brothers split their business. Adolf established Adidas in 1949, deriving the name from his nickname ‘Adi’ and his last name ‘Dassler’. His brother Rudolf founded the rival brand Puma. Starting with 47 employees, Adidas has grown into Europe’s largest sportswear manufacturer and the second-largest globally, after Nike. Initially focused on sports footwear, Adidas now offers a wide range of products including clothing, equipment, and accessories.
Where Are Adidas Shoes Made? (A List of Countries)
Adidas has publicly disclosed their global factory locations, demonstrating transparency in their manufacturing process. As of July 2021, they listed 540 factories across 45 countries. This move aligns with their commitment to ethical production practices, including worker’s rights and sustainable methods.
It’s important to note that the actual number of factories involved in Adidas shoe production could be higher than the official count. Adidas primarily lists factories with direct contracts, but these may further subcontract various production stages, thus extending the supply chain.
1. Asia
The majority of Adidas shoes are manufactured in Asia, with over 371 factories across the continent. This accounts for more than half of Adidas’ global production facilities.
China tops the list with 103 factories, followed by Vietnam with 76, and Indonesia with 45. Other significant contributors include India with 32 factories and Cambodia with 24. Additionally, Pakistan, Turkey, Thailand, Japan, the Philippines, and Taiwan each have over ten factories producing Adidas footwear.
Here’s a brief summary of Adidas factories in Asia:
- China: 103
- Vietnam: 76
- Indonesia: 45
- India: 32
- Cambodia: 24
- Pakistan: 16
- Turkey: 16
- Thailand: 13
- Japan: 13
- Philippines: 12
- Taiwan: 11
- Myanmar: 6
- South Korea: 2
- Bangladesh: 2
2. Americas
In the Americas, Adidas operates 90 factories, making it the second-largest region for their production after Asia.
The United States leads in North America with 27 factories, followed by Canada with 5 and Mexico with 2. In Central America, El Salvador has the most facilities (11), with Honduras (6), Costa Rica (1), and Nicaragua (1) also hosting factories.
In South America, Brazil tops the list with 26 factories, the highest in the region. Argentina has 9, while Chile and Colombia each have one Adidas production facility.
Here’s a quick breakdown of Adidas shoe factories in the Americas:
- USA: 27
- Brazil: 26
- El Salvador: 11
- Argentina: 9
- Honduras: 6
- Canada: 5
- Mexico: 2
- Costa Rica: 1
- Nicaragua: 1
- Chile: 1
- Colombia: 1
3. Europe
Despite being Adidas’ home continent, Europe has fewer factories compared to Asia and the Americas, with a total of 56. Adidas maintains a presence across various European regions.
Germany, the birthplace of Adidas, and the U.K each have 10 factories. Italy leads in Europe with 11 facilities. Spain follows with 6, while Slovenia, Ukraine, and Portugal each have 3. Belgium, the Czech Republic, and Hungary have 2 factories each. Poland, Lithuania, Russia, and Georgia host one factory each.
The main Adidas production facility is in Herzogenaurach, Germany, near the company’s headquarters. This facility is crucial for creating and testing new materials and designs, which are then replicated in factories worldwide.
Here’s a quick list of the number of factories that make Adidas shoes in Europe:
- Italy — 11
- Germany — 10
- K. — 10
- Spain — 6
- Slovenia — 3
- Ukraine — 3
- Portugal — 3
- Belgium — 2
- Hungary — 2
- Czech Republic — 2
- Georgia, Lithuania, Poland, and Russia — 1
4. Africa
According to the official list, only ten production facilities make Adidas shoes in Africa. South Africa has the most locations, totaling to 4 facilities. Tunisia and Mauritius each have two factories making Adidas footwear. There’s a single Adidas production facility in Madagascar and another in Lesotho.
Here’s a quick list of Adidas’s African production locations:
- South Africa — 4
- Tunisia — 2
- Mauritius — 2
- Madagascar — 1
- Lesotho — 1
Why Are Most Adidas Shoe Factories in Asia?
Despite its German origins, Adidas predominantly manufactures its shoes in Asia. This strategic decision is driven by the region’s ability to offer high-quality craftsmanship at lower production costs. Asian countries, known for their abundant and affordable labor, align well with Adidas’s manufacturing needs. Additionally, these facilities are often equipped with advanced technology, enhancing their suitability for Adidas’s production requirements.
China, in particular, stands out as the leading location for Adidas shoe production. This is due to its robust production industry, large workforce, and significantly lower production costs.
Does the Location of Production Affect the Quality of Adidas Shoes?
The quality and design of Adidas shoes remain consistent, regardless of where they are made. An Adidas shoe typically passes through multiple factories in different countries during its production process. For instance, a sneaker’s midsole, bottom, upper part, and assembly might each be done in separate facilities.
However, the production location is significant for those concerned about their carbon footprint. Adidas aims to minimize environmental impact by localizing production processes and using facilities close to each other. This approach reduces the need for parts to travel long distances during manufacturing.
Additionally, Adidas focuses on sourcing raw materials locally. By purchasing Adidas shoes made in or near your country, you not only help reduce environmental impact but also support the local economy and workforce.
What Are Adidas Shoes Made From?
Understanding the materials used in Adidas shoes is as important as knowing their production locations. Adidas is committed to using recycled or sustainable materials in their shoe manufacturing.
Key sustainable materials in Adidas shoes include recycled nylon, polyester, water-based polyurethane, Better Cotton, eco-friendly TENCEL, recycled rubber, thermoplastic polyurethane, and algae-based EVA.
In selecting materials, Adidas focuses on sustainable land use, reducing hazardous waste, conserving water, ensuring animal welfare, and minimizing energy consumption. The choice of supply partners often depends on the availability of sustainable or recycled materials. Adidas collaborates with its factories to incorporate production methods that maximize the use of recycled materials.
Why Should You Know Where Adidas Shoes are Made?
Understanding where Adidas shoes are made is crucial for ethical consumerism. Brands like Adidas are responsible for ensuring their production doesn’t harm the environment, society, or violate human rights. Unlike some companies that overlook the practices of their outsourced production, Adidas openly shares its factory locations and contact details. This transparency allows consumers to verify the brand’s commitment to ethical standards, including fair working conditions, health and safety, reasonable working hours, and proper wages.
Adidas actively avoids factories involved in human rights abuses, forced labor, child labor, and discrimination, setting a standard for responsible manufacturing.
Conclusion
We hope that we have answered your question “Where are Adidas shoes made?” adequately. Adidas is one of the very few sportswear companies that regularly disclose their list of global suppliers. The disclosure is part of their efforts towards transparency, which is vital in an age where production sustainability is crucial for the good of the environment and society.