Steve Madden accuses Adidas of Intimidation in Sneaker Stripe lawsuit

Footwear brand Steve Madden has launched a bold legal challenge against sportswear giant Adidas, accusing it of using aggressive legal tactics to stifle competition over common sneaker stripe designs.

Steve Madden filed a lawsuit against Adidas, alleging that the German sportswear giant is using intimidation and legal threats to monopolize "common design features" in the fashion industry, specifically, stripes on sneakers. 

The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Brooklyn on May 21, 2025, accuses Adidas of manipulating the legal system to block competitors from selling shoes with any stripe or band design, even those that are not identical to Adidas's iconic three-stripe trademark.

The language in the lawsuit is strong, framing Adidas's conduct as "an aggressive use of legal threats to shut down fair competition." While the complaint does not use the word "bully," it accuses Adidas of overreaching and wielding its trademark as a "legal sledgehammer" to pressure rivals. 

According to the filing, Steve Madden's attorneys argue, "This isn't about protecting a logo...it's about choking out competition," emphasizing that trademark law exists to prevent confusion, not to lock up every design with a vaguely athletic vibe.

Details of the lawsuit

The lawsuit centers on two Steve Madden sneaker models: the Viento, featuring two angled bands, and the Janos, with a "K"-shaped band design. Adidas's legal team allegedly demanded that sales of the Viento be halted, citing potential consumer confusion, and hinted at a formal trademark challenge against Janos.

Steve Madden argues that its designs bear no resemblance to Adidas's trademarked three-stripe motif and that two-band designs are common throughout the industry. "Adidas does not own all stripes," the company said, highlighting that other brands like Converse, Veja, and Tommy Hilfiger also use similar banded designs.

Broader industry impact

The lawsuit comes at a challenging time for Adidas, which is still recovering from the fallout of its Yeezy partnership and facing increased competition from brands like Nike, On, and Hoka. Experts suggest that if the claims stick, Adidas could face not only courtroom drama but also a hit to its reputation among consumers who value transparency and fair play.

The case, Steven Madden Ltd v Adidas AG et al, No. 25-02847, could set a precedent for how far brands can go in claiming ownership over common design elements like stripes. The outcome may reshape the boundaries of design protection in the footwear industry and influence how brands approach both inspiration and competition.