Black Friday: the Top Brands

adidas and Asics: two legacies born in 1949

adidas was born in 1949 in Herzogenaurach, Bavaria, when Adolf Dassler, known as Adi, registered his brand and its three stripes, originally sewn onto shoes for reinforcement before becoming an emblem. That same year, in Kobe, Kihachiro Onitsuka founded the company that would take the name Asics in 1977, derived from the Latin motto Anima Sana In Corpore Sano. Asics later made its GEL cushioning, introduced in 1986, the signature of its running shoes, while adidas brings its archive models in leather and suede to life, which have become everyday classics.

The selection by brand

The selection is organised by brand:

• adidas, sneakers, jerseys and clothing.
• Asics, running and archive sneakers.
• Birkenstock, cork sandals and clogs.
• Crocs, clogs and sandals.
• Faguo, clothing and fleeces.
• Helly Hansen, jackets and technical clothing.
• Schott, jackets and coats.

Birkenstock and Crocs: two approaches to comfort

At Birkenstock, it all starts with the sole: a footbed made of cork and natural latex, moulded to the shape of the foot, which supports the arch. The family claims a shoemaking tradition dating back to 1774, and the Arizona sandal, with two straps, was introduced in 1973. Crocs, founded in 2002 in Colorado, took a different approach with a one-piece molded clog made of Croslite, a soft, lightweight and water-resistant resin, first showcased at a trade show in Florida. The first molds to the foot over time, while the second is comfortable from the first wear.

The rest of Black Friday

Black Friday is also available by category: football, running, lifestyle, indoor sports, equestrian, winter sports, on the Black Friday page.

Faguo, Helly Hansen, Schott: three clothing brands

Faguo, founded in 2009 by Frédéric Mugnier and Nicolas Rohr, takes its name from the Chinese word for France; the brand became known for funding tree planting to offset the impact of its production. Helly Hansen dates back to 1877, when a Norwegian captain, Helly Juell Hansen, started selling oilskin clothing for sailors in Moss. Schott, established in New York in 1913 by brothers Irving and Jack Schott, designed the Perfecto in 1928, the first leather motorcycle jacket with a zipper.

Frequently asked questions

Why has this Friday in November become a major shopping event?

In the United States, it follows Thanksgiving, celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November, and traditionally marks the beginning of the year-end shopping season. The practice has since spread widely in France.

What size should I choose for Crocs clogs?

Crocs fit generously and are often offered in dual sizes: you should stick to your usual size, or the smaller of the two. Your foot should have a bit of space in front of the toes without slipping at the heel.

Narrow or standard fit for Birkenstock: how to choose?

The standard fit, marked by a full foot imprint under the insole, suits most feet. The narrow fit, with a hollow foot imprint, is for slim feet that feel loose in the standard width.

How to choose the size of a Perfecto Schott?

The Perfecto is worn fitted at the shoulders and cropped at the waist: stick to your usual size for a close fit, one size up for layering a thick jumper. The leather stretches slightly over time.

How to care for a waterproof Helly Hansen jacket?

Wash it at a low temperature with liquid detergent, without fabric softener, which would clog the membrane. A low heat tumble dry, if the label allows, reactivates the water-repellent treatment of the outer fabric.