Nike vs Adidas is one of the biggest sneaker rivalries around. Both of them make fantastic shoes, but which one makes the best shoes?
The truth is, there is no singular best shoe. Sneakerheads are a testament to that: why would we bother collecting and treasuring sneakers if we could just buy one pair? Yet there are certain characteristics that some sneaker companies just have.
In this article, we’re going to look at the history, construction, and more of Nike and Adidas shoes, to see which one wins out in each category. Whether you’re a sneakerhead, a fashionista, or simply looking to buy your next pair of sneakers, you’re going to enjoy this article.
Let’s get started!
Adidas vs Nike: History
Adidas and Nike both have histories going back quite some way. Adidas was founded in Germany in 1949 by two brothers, but this partnership fell apart after a feud, which led to one of the brothers founding Puma, which is still a big rivalry to this day.
Nike is a little more recent. Phil Knight and Bill Bowerman founded the company, then called Blue Ribbon Sports, back in 1964. The swoosh first appeared on their shoes back in 1971, and some aggressive advertising in the 1980s made Nike a giant in the world of sneakers.
Nike also owns a lot of other smaller sneaker companies that you’re probably familiar with. These include Converse and Air Jordan.
Selling Points
In this section, we’ll take a look at what Adidas and Nike are well-known for and what makes them distinct from each other. Let’s get started.
Adidas Selling Points
The first thing that makes Adidas special is the 3D-printed soles on its running shoes. This is a tremendous use of technology and should make for easier running, even if we don’t see it on all their shoes at the moment. It’s a company that’s not afraid of embracing technology and using it in interesting ways, with their Boost technology being another great example.
Adidas also uses recycled plastic from the ocean to make their shoes. This makes for durable shoes while also doing the planet a solid.
Nike Selling Points
The first thing to say about Nike is that they never go out of style. While other brands may rise and fade over time, Nike has been a fashion symbol since the 1980s, and they’re not about to go anywhere: you can buy any pair of Nikes knowing that they’ll still be stylish in the coming years.
Another great selling point of Nike shoes is that they’re always comfortable. A pair of Air Force 1s will always give your foot the support and cushioning that it needs.
Nike has also set a great example to other brands by not chasing the latest trends and adding garments to their shoes. They’ve stuck to leather, which means that the shoes are very durable and look terrific.
Who’s Got the Hype?
While Nike has a lot of hype, Adidas has one thing that Nike doesn’t anymore: Kanye West’s Yeezys. If you want to get a pair of these sneakers, which sold out in minutes back when they first came out, you need to buy a pair of Adidas shoes. Originally, Kanye had partnered with Nike but that ended back in 2013.
Adidas has also had a reputation for embracing sponsorships from the world of sport, with a particular focus on athletes that are superstars in Europe such as Lionel Messi, David Beckham, and Novak Djokovic. However, they’ve also partnered up with Pharrell Williams and Beyonce, so their sponsorships definitely aren’t all sportspeople.
Nike has built up a strong reputation for hype over the years too, even if they no longer have the Yeezys. They’ve done some fantastic collaborations over the years like the Nike x Supreme Air Max 96, the Nike x Sacai LDWaffle, and the Nike x Fragment Design Dunk High. If you’re after colorful collabs, Nike has got you covered.
Nike also has some great celebrity sponsorships, including Michael Jordan, Serena Williams, and Lebron James.
Sizing
When it comes to sizing, Adidas and Nike are a little different. Adidas’ shoes tend to run a little bigger than Nike’s, which means that you’ll probably need a smaller size from Adidas if you want it to fit properly.
For instance, if you bought a size 10 Nike shoe and it fit perfectly, you’d probably want to buy a size 9 from Adidas.
Nike makes buying the right size shoes a little easier, however, thanks to their helpful Nike Fit app. This can help you figure out your shoe size without having to go into a store, which is perfect for buying shoes online.
Construction
Both Adidas and Nike make brilliant shoes, but who ultimately wins out when it comes to construction? Who makes shoes that are more durable and innovative?
Uppers
Nike’s Flyknit design is an absolute joy for runners, as these shoes are very, very breathable. They’re also very lightweight and fit snugly to the foot like a sock.
On other shoes, Nike’s leather tends to be of a slightly higher quality than Adidas.
However, Adidas also makes fantastic uppers, especially on their running shoes. Breathability on these shoes is fantastic thanks to the vents.
The Sole
When it comes to the sole, it’s hard to compete with Adidas. Their Boost technology and 3D printed soles are prime examples of brilliant construction.
Nike isn’t far behind though: their Nike React foam makes for a bouncy sole that provides great cushioning and energy return for runners. On their other shoes, Nike’s midsoles tend to focus on comfort and support, making them slightly better than Adidas.
Nike vs Adidas: Is There a Winner?
The Nike vs Adidas rivalry isn’t going anywhere fast, and nor are their shoes. Both companies make absolutely fantastic shoes that have special characteristics. Adidas has great tech and the Yeezy brand, while Nike has comfort and a legacy of superb quality.
Opt for either of these companies’ sneakers and you won’t be disappointed.
If you’ve got any questions about the sneakers we have for sale, our company, or anything else, get in touch with us today!
