Top Adidas Ads That Changed the Game: Legendary Campaigns That Still Inspire

Adidas has been at the forefront of sports and style for decades, and a big reason for that is the impressive impact of its marketing. You’ve probably found yourself humming a catchy tune from one of those Adidas ads or feeling a burst of inspiration after seeing a star athlete crush barriers in a TV spot. Let’s face it, Adidas ads are usually more than just commercials—they’re cultural moments that bring together athletes, musicians, and everyday people under a vibrant, unifying message. They’re also known for weaving narratives that leave us feeling motivated, stylish, or both at once. With that in mind, let’s delve into nine of the best Adidas ads of all time, celebrating how each campaign has shaped the brand’s identity.

Impossible Is Nothing (2004)

Back in 2004, the “Impossible Is Nothing” slogan forever changed how we look at Adidas ads. Drawing inspiration from legendary athletes such as Muhammad Ali, these Adidas ads made it clear that the brand was all about breaking down barriers, both on and off the field. The sense of urgency and courage in those early commercials was downright electric. You’d watch Ali tossing jabs at life’s obstacles, and it was hard not to feel a surge of optimism. It was an era when sports ads often focused purely on victory, but these Adidas ads offered something more: a belief that anyone could redefine their limits if they pushed hard enough.

As the campaign evolved, the uplifting tone remained, and Adidas ads continued to showcase personal stories of grit and determination. Folks still remember the goosebump-worthy visuals and that stirring tagline—so much so that Adidas brought it back in 2021 for a new generation of dreamers. Sometimes a great slogan just sticks around, and these Adidas ads proved impossible to forget.

Adidas Is All In (2011)

Few Adidas ads achieved global buzz quite like “Adidas Is All In” from 2011. Merging sport, music, and fashion in a single campaign was an ambitious move that struck gold. These Adidas ads starred icons such as Lionel Messi, Derrick Rose, and pop sensation Katy Perry, underscoring that no matter where your passion lies, Adidas is there to back you. The visuals bounced around from packed stadiums to neon-lit stages, offering a kaleidoscope of energy that left viewers practically breathless. There was a real sense of unity, hinting that whether you’re nailing a penalty kick or performing for thousands of fans, everyone’s doing it with heart and soul.

On top of its star-studded cast, the campaign’s multi-platform rollout turned these Adidas ads into a cultural phenomenon. Television, digital content, and social media all carried the same upbeat vibe. You’d see condensed versions on TV or cinema screens, then hop online to find extended clips and behind-the-scenes footage. With these Adidas ads coming at you from every angle, the message was crystal clear: if you’re “all in,” Adidas is right there with you, celebrating that full-throttle spirit.

Unite All Originals (2013)

By 2013, Adidas ads had already carved out a place in both sports and culture, but “Unite All Originals” took that blend to another level. These Adidas ads didn’t just rely on star athletes; they also tapped Run-D.M.C. and DJ A-Trak for a fresh spin on music, fusing old-school hip-hop with modern EDM. It was a bold statement that Adidas could speak to different generations without missing a beat. The interactive component was a fun extra, inviting users online to mix beats and visuals, which gave everyone a shot at co-creating part of the experience.

What made these Adidas ads so memorable was how they balanced nostalgia with forward-thinking flair. Run-D.M.C.’s roots in the 1980s gave longtime fans a sweet dose of history, while the cutting-edge production appealed to digital natives. That blend of vintage and contemporary created a crossover moment—suddenly, lovers of street culture, fashion enthusiasts, and music aficionados were all talking about these Adidas ads. It was a masterclass in showing how a brand can nod to its past while staying relevant to new audiences.

Original Is Never Finished (2017)

In 2017, Adidas ads reached an almost cinematic level with “Original Is Never Finished.” Using surreal visuals and a reimagined version of Frank Sinatra’s “My Way,” these Adidas ads led viewers through a dreamlike sequence that blended high fashion, art references, and sports into one extravagant feast for the eyes. Scenes of Kendall Jenner and James Harden were intercut with moments referencing classic artworks, underscoring how style and culture constantly get reshaped.

The aesthetic was so striking that these Adidas ads quickly generated chatter across social platforms. People praised the offbeat artistry that made each scene feel like a visual riddle waiting to be solved. By reworking familiar motifs—from Renaissance paintings to modern hip-hop swagger—Adidas demonstrated that originality isn’t static. It moves, morphs, and gains new life with each generation, and these Adidas ads illustrated that creativity is a never-ending process of reinvention.

Run for the Oceans (2018)

Sometimes, Adidas ads are about more than footwear or star athletes—they’re about real-world responsibility. “Run for the Oceans” in 2018 spotlighted plastic pollution, proving that a sports brand can help drive change. These Adidas ads underscored the company’s partnership with Parley for the Oceans, inviting people worldwide to run for a cause. For every kilometer logged, Adidas contributed funds to cleanup efforts, which gave these Adidas ads a compelling call to action beyond product promotion.

What set these Adidas ads apart was their focus on community and collective effort. Suddenly, runners in various cities were uniting under a shared goal of protecting marine life, and that wider purpose made the brand look and feel more authentic. Yes, sustainability is a big challenge, but seeing a major sports label rally folks to do something about it—through simple daily runs—added a new dimension to Adidas ads. It showed that performance and positive impact can go hand in hand.

José +10 (2006)

Even though it’s been a while, “José +10” is still one of the most whimsical Adidas ads from the early 2000s. Centered around a friendly neighborhood match, it captured two kids “recruiting” legends like David Beckham and Zinedine Zidane in an imaginary game of pick-up soccer. The idea was pure fun, showing what it might be like if your childhood daydreams magically came true. Kids worldwide ate it up, reenacting scenes in their own backyards.

Because these Adidas ads appeared around the 2006 World Cup, they garnered massive attention and tapped into the global excitement for the tournament. Yet the charm went beyond hype: these Adidas ads had a playful spirit that reminded us sports should be accessible, imaginative, and joyful. Even after the World Cup ended, people kept talking about José and his larger-than-life lineup, cementing these Adidas ads as timeless fan favorites.

Take the Stage (2012)

During the 2012 London Olympics, “Take the Stage” arrived as a patriotic reminder that big dreams can spring from humble places. These Adidas ads focused on British athletes and even spotlighted music figures, weaving in everyday individuals who were stepping up to show their talents. The campaign felt like an open invitation for everyone to chase their goals, whether in an Olympic venue or a local neighborhood.

The visual style was bold and energetic, with quick cuts that reflected the spirit of London during the Games. By blending athletic achievements with stories of regular folks, these Adidas ads struck an emotional chord. They didn’t just feature sports superstars; they championed the idea that anyone can seize a meaningful moment if they’ve got the courage. That unifying tone made these Adidas ads special, as they reminded people that the stage belongs to those who dare to step onto it, no matter where they come from.

Calling All Creators (2017)

By 2017, the brand was fully embracing the idea that creativity resonates well beyond the sports arena. “Calling All Creators” was a prime example: these Adidas ads brought household names from different industries together around a large table, where they casually chatted about what it means to create. The vibe was almost like eavesdropping on a cool brainstorming session where Lionel Messi, Pharrell Williams, and other big names discussed pushing boundaries in their crafts.

While plenty of sports ads rely on big names for quick recognition, these Adidas ads aimed for an authentic conversation about innovation and self-expression. It felt genuine, too, because many of the participants were already linked to Adidas through prior collaborations or endorsement deals. By keeping it relaxed and dialogue-driven, these Adidas ads offered viewers a refreshing glimpse into how creativity can unite fashion, music, and athletics in a single space.

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Predator Boot Launch (Various Years)

The Predator boot series has been a staple in many Adidas ads since the mid-’90s, each launch greeted by soccer fans around the world. Star players, from David Beckham to newer icons, laced up these boots and showed off swerving free kicks and pinpoint passes, making these Adidas ads a longtime favorite among football enthusiasts. There was something almost magical about seeing the ball bend in midair, hinting that the right gear could give you near-superhuman skills on the pitch.

Each iteration’s rollout came with fresh visuals or behind-the-scenes glimpses of development, and these Adidas ads consistently stirred up excitement for the next big thing in footwear. By putting the spotlight on both style and cutting-edge tech, Adidas secured its place in the hearts of aspiring players. It’s not every day a sports shoe crosses into pop culture, but these Predator-themed Adidas ads did exactly that, and they did it time after time.

Where Sport and Style Collide

All these Adidas ads, spanning decades, share one unbreakable thread: a spark of motivation that transcends mere product promotion. It’s not just about sneakers or jerseys; it’s about pushing limits, telling stories, and inviting everyday folks to join in on a bigger vision. Some campaigns focused on uniting different passions under a single banner, while others confronted environmental challenges or highlighted personal creativity. Yet all these Adidas ads managed to capture hearts because they spoke to something real—like the feeling that any of us can do something great if we just believe in it enough.

In the end, it’s that cultural blend of sports, style, and sheer determination that makes Adidas ads so unforgettable. We find ourselves humming their soundtracks, talking about their star-studded casts, or recalling a meaningful tagline that kept us going. There’s a reason people worldwide still look forward to the next Adidas ads—whatever form they might take—because each new release promises another piece of the ever-evolving puzzle that is the brand. And if these nine campaigns prove anything, it’s that Adidas knows how to strike that perfect balance between performance and inspiration, reminding us that greatness can be sparked in the unlikeliest of places.

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