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The family feud that changed sports

Amazon.com / Ecco

Cover of Sneaker Wars by Barbara Smit

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by Kai Ryssdal
Marketplace for Friday, June 13, 2008

About the author

Kai Ryssdal is the host and senior editor of Marketplace, public radio’s program on business and the economy. Follow Kai on Twitter @kairyssdal.
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Andy Pritchard's picture
Andy Pritchard - Jun 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.

ed walsh's picture
ed walsh - Jun 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.

L H's picture
L H - Jun 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.

listener kqed's picture
listener kqed - Jun 13, 2008

what was the tune played immediately after this segment, just prior to the wrap-up? thanks!

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