Puma

Puma- the company, began operations humbly, gained stupendous success, then stumbled, and is today repositioned as a sport lifestyle company. Acquired by French company Pinault-Printemps-Redoute (PPR), owners of the Gucci brand, shoe buyers turn to the brand to express their individuality.

Its history is as interesting as the styles and designs it offers. Two brothers, Rudolph and Adolf Dassler began a shoe company from their mother's laundry setup in Herzogenaurach, Germany. Worldwide recognition came Jesse Owens at the Berlin Olympics wore their spiked shoes and was victorious. Soon after the brothers parted ways; one launched Adidas, and Rudolph incorporated Ruda, later renamed Puma, after the agile panther. The first shoe, PUMA Atom was launched in stores and endorsed by German Soccer athletes; paving the way for sponsorships with sporting events and sportsperson. Success stories of legendary footballer Pele and current runner Usain Bolt both feature Puma. The triumph of sponsorships helped establish it as a world-renowned brand.