The family feud that changed sports
The Puma shoe brand was born when the brothers who founded Adidas split in a dispute that divided their family. Kai Ryssdal talks with "Sneaker Wars" author Barbara Smit about how the family feud behind the two powerhouses shaped the face of global sports.
Cover of Sneaker Wars by Barbara Smit (Amazon.com / Ecco)
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From Seattle, WA, 06/17/2008
great story, I've always wondered about the pronunciation issue as well. The song, btw, is "Goody Two Shoes" by Adam and the Ants.
From san francisco, CA, 06/14/2008
I ran track in the 60's. Only competitive athletes wore Adi das (as Barbara pronounced it). The tv show I Spy popularized the shoe as casual wear. The weekend warriors bought the shoe and changed the pronunciation for better cachet.
From IL, 06/13/2008
Kai,
Great story on the sneakers.
Once correction: it's pronounced A-didas, i.e. the emphasis on the first A, not adi-DAS as you closed your segment. Barbara got it right, though.
From san francisco, CA, 06/13/2008
what was the tune played immediately after this segment, just prior to the wrap-up? thanks!
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