Adidas has been trending again. Those three stripes, the logo, you see it everywhere. But did you know the brand was born out of conflict, and it's rival brand, Puma, was born of resistance to that conflict. 

Resistance
Forget celebrity breakups, the most famous split of the 20th century wasn’t on reality TV, it was in a German shoe factory. Adolf “Adi” Dassler and his brother Rudolf “Rudi” started out working side by side. Then came World War II, suspicion, pride, and a fallout so spectacular it divided not only their family but their entire hometown.

Adi went on to create Adidas. Rudi stormed off and launched Puma. The result? A lifelong sibling rivalry that turned into a global sneaker war. And here’s the irony: the bitterness that split them also drove both brands to innovate, compete, and dominate the market. Two brothers, one feud, and the rest is shoe-biz history.

The Logo as Flag
Just as the French tricolour became a rallying point for freedom, everyday items (shoes, clothing, even haircuts) can serve as signals. Maybe not to the enemy, but to those who recognise them. Resistance, after all, often starts with a glance, a knowing nod, a quiet emblem.

Durability Over Flash
Resistance isn’t always loud. It’s built from endurance. Adidas makes running shoes, boots, gear, things built to last. Similarly, the heart of resistance lies not in the speeches or banners, but in the quiet footfalls in darkness, when no one else is looking.

Standing Out Without Shouting
You notice a well-designed sneaker. It makes a statement without needing neon lights. Jessie Fordham, in The Midnight Series, faces her battles the same way: loud in purpose, subtle in approach. The enemy never quite knows what’s coming, until it’s too late.

Closing Thought
Who knew footwear could offer wartime lessons? Next time you lace up, think about symbolism, culture, and resistance. What small emblem do you wear that says you’re on the right side of history? 

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