MY SHOWBIZ SOSYAL Column

FASHION PLUS
By: Rowel Canlas

Interesting history of two famous sneakers

Filipinos are known to be very meticulous when it comes to buying shoes.

Young and old alike have grown to like them for the simple reason that it’s a necessity.

But what baffles me to the hilt is the men’s strong attachment to rubber shoes. To the point of letting them go can be quite depressing, at times.

Especially in this genre where most people want their shoes to be branded or those made by international companies. Notwithstanding the huge tag price, they really purchase the “top-of-the-line” and most expensive ones.

To think that a pair of nice shoes can cost them a fortune. For them, it’s one way of expressing their feelings and it sort of empowers them when wearing a pair.

Several days back, I was watching a lifestyle program on TV that featured two of the most popular brands in our midst, ADIDAS and PUMA.

What’s so interesting to note is the tale behind it. I myself was stunned upon learning the history of these two giant names in the industry. When I was in high school, I have grown to like these brands for my Saturday P.E. class.

I still vividly remember during our regular volleyball session, I used to wear my brother’s Adidas sneakers. Not because of the label or anything (I’m not a brand-conscious type), but it makes me feel comfortable and that’s very important. I love the sole because it does not wreck my toes unlike other cheap brands.

Going back to my piece, not everybody knows that the owners of Adidas and PUMA are siblings. Yes, you read it right, they are real brothers.

In 1920, two German brothers, Adolf (“Adi”) and Rudolf Dassler were partners in their small shoemaking business. For some mysterious reasons, the two had a fall out during World War II disagreeing on everything from politics, wives to choose, the future of the company, among other things.

Rudolf left for good in the late 1940’s and set up his own brand named PUMA. Adi founded ADIDAS. To this day, the two are still considered as the strongest competing brands in the market.