There are hundreds of sportswear brands in the world, but only a few of them have managed to achieve legendary status.
The 10 brands mentioned in our list have managed to remain in demand for decades. They have consolidated their position through high quality products, constant innovation, successful celebrity advertising campaigns, and the ability to maintain relationships with an army of loyal fans around the world.
Nike
A brand that stands apart even among the giants of the sportswear industry. Nike's "Just Do It" slogan is familiar to everyone, simple but expressive, it managed to become almost the motto of an entire generation. Nike brings to the market a huge range of sportswear and accessories for all sports, but sports shoes have been and remain the brand's most popular products.
But not only high quality has attracted and continues to attract loyal fans since the company was founded in 1964. Nike has also managed to establish itself as a fashion brand, becoming part of the youth culture, actively using the music industry and especially hip-hop in advertising. As of 2015, the company's net income was estimated at US$3.3 billion.
Adidas
Adidas's journey from being a family-run business in a small German town to becoming one of the world's largest sportswear manufacturers with a net income of €0.72 billion (as of 2015) has not been an easy one. And only the constant desire to create new solutions for both professional sports and connoisseurs of fashion and style allowed the company to successfully overcome it.
adidas today is a brand specializing in apparel, shoes and accessories for cricket, basketball, golf, tennis, gymnastics, skateboarding, running and many other sports, and of course an integral part of world class football battles. At the same time, sports leggings, jackets, T-shirts, sweatshirts, sneakers and much more with the Adidas brand and the three canonical stripes are considered the pinnacle of sports style.
under armor
Compared to other brands that have achieved popularity in the sportswear world, Under Armor can be considered a newcomer. After all, the brand was founded not so long ago, in 1996. But an impressive $232.6 million in net income for 2015 shows that this company is serious and its products deserve to stand on a par with the best models from the "monsters" of the market.
Under by Under Armor produced shorts, sports shoes, leggings, T-shirts, sweatshirts, jackets for American football, basketball and football. This brand with a catchy and unusual name has become a favorite among the youth audience and today competes with the best players in the industry.
DCS
The American company Dick's Sporting Goods, founded in 1948, continues to successfully conquer the international market. Its net income for 2013 amounted to 337.6 million US dollars, which puts the brand in the ranks of global leaders.
DKS sponsored Team USA at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, and the brand is also associated with other sports such as golf, basketball, running, football, American football and many more.
Puma
The family business of the Dassler brothers, which became the launching pad for Adidas, also gave birth to another market leader in sportswear - Puma. The two companies became the property of two brothers, Adolf Dassler (Adidas) and Rudolf Dassler (Puma). Since its inception in 1948, Puma has become one of Adidas' main competitors and a well-known brand in sports shoes and equipment.
The profit figure for 2015 of 3.4 billion euros speaks for itself. Puma creates products for areas such as fitness, motorsport, golf, running, etc. The company has also achieved success by sponsoring football players and football teams.
Sketchers
The American brand Sketchers is, first of all, comfortable and high-quality sports shoes. The company's product range includes sports shoes and casual sports shoes for men, women and children.
The company was founded in 1992 and has managed to achieve significant success, which can be seen in the net profit of 231.9 million US dollars for 2015. In addition to shoes, Sketchers is also expanding its range of sports lifestyle products.
Columbia Sportswear
American shoe and outerwear manufacturer Columbia Sportswear also managed to achieve popularity in the field of sports equipment. This is one of the oldest brands, it was founded in 1938 by German Jews, parents of the current head of the company, Gert Boyle, who escaped Nazism in the United States.
The company's net income as of 2014 amounted to an impressive 2.1 billion US dollars and the demand for the brand's products is growing every year. Compared to larger brands, Columbia Sportswear continues to be one of the most affordable products on the market.
ASICS
The Japanese brand ASICS was founded in 1949. Both beginners and sports professionals trust the company's products - this also applies to sports shoes and various sports equipment.
With a net income of 10.2 billion yen (as of December 2015), ASICS is known for its focus on health and wellness. The brand has managed to become very popular on a global scale and has repeatedly confirmed its status as a high-class player. Notably, ASICS has replaced Adidas as the official kit manufacturer for the Australian Cricket Team.
The North Face
This American brand has experienced strong growth in the sportswear industry since its founding in 1968. The North Face is a sports and active lifestyle apparel and footwear company whose products are popular all over the world.
The North Face manufactures sleeping bags, tents, backpacks, outerwear and footwear for extreme conditions. Brand The North Face focuses rather than on sports teams and professional athletes, but on outdoor life enthusiasts.
Converse
Converse was founded in 1908 in the US as a footwear company. It is one of the most recognizable and popular brands in the world, along with Nike or Adidas. The brand offers customers a huge variety of sports style models, both for everyday wear and for sports.
Together with Nike, the company has created several models for such a prestigious client as the American National Basketball Association. Converse undoubtedly managed to reach the heights in its field and win many fans, the profit of 2.0 billion dollars (as of 2015) speaks volumes.
