Nike
- Founded
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January 25, 1964
- Founder(s):
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Bill Bowerman, Phil Knight
- Headquarters:
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Beaverton, Oregon, U.S.
Nike was founded on January 25, 1964 by Bill Bowerman and Phil Knight, under the name “Blue Ribbon Sports.” Bowerman, a track coach, and Knight, a track athlete, sold their proprietary waffle-iron fashioned rubber-sole running shoes out of Knight’s car during track meets at Hayward Field. The company officially became Nike, Inc. in 1971, named after the Greek goddess of victory. The company's headquarters, located in Beaverton, Oregon, pay homage to the company starting in Oregonian cities like Eugene and Springfield.
Nike’s history as a sports shoe company has been punctuated by several popular shoes with significance expanded to popular culture. The Nike Cortez shoe was released in 1972 during the Mexico Olympics and has since been released in several colorways and regained popularity when featured in the film “Forest Gump.” In 1982, the Air Force 1 was released as the first basketball shoe to feature air in the sole. Air Force 1s continue to be one of the most popular Nike shoes today. In 1984, the Air Jordan 1 was produced exclusively for Michael Jordan. The shoe’s logo, a silhouette of Michael Jordan, known as the “Jumpman” logo is synonymous with the shoe. The first Nike Air Max was released. In 1987 and featured a visible air pocket. There have been many other Nike shoe releases over the years, but the three mentioned have had a sustaining place in pop culture to this day.
Nike’s advertising and sponsorship have also been a cultural touchstone since the company’s inception. From partnering with and sponsoring Michael Jordan, LeBron James and Serena Williams and more to advertising campaigns, logos, and slogans like “Just Do It,” Nike has cemented their place as one of the most famous companies worldwide.
Nike
Nike’s Latest Futuristic Sneaker Is Part Soccer Cleat, Part Platform Dress Shoe
A detailed look at the upcoming Nike First Sight Mirage.
First Look: Michael Jordan’s Original Air Jordan 3 Is Coming Back for the First Time in 10 Years
The Air Jordan 3 Retro True Blue is finally coming back.
Kith’s Rare Knicks-themed Nike Air Max 95 Is Going Up for Preorder for the NBA Finals
Previously only made for friends and family.
Nike’s Remastered Air Max 95 Is Coming Out in a New Eye-catching Colorway for Summer
Multi-color threads are woven throughout the retro running shoe.
First Look: Nike Is Finally Bringing Back This Controversial Sneaker From the ’90s
The Air Bakin returns for the first time in more than a decade.
From Knicks Air Force 1s to New Balance Collabs, Surprise Releases Are Bringing the Fun Back to Sneakers
How Nike and New Balance capitalized on unannounced sneaker drops and why it should happen more often.
Palace, Patta and Five Other Collaborators Are Turning Classic Nike Soccer Cleats Into Street-ready Sneakers
The Cryoshot sneakers will release for the World Cup as part of larger X2 collections.
Battle of the Brands: How Nike, Adidas and More Will Duke It Out Across World Cup Product, Marketing and Activations
An inside look at plans from Nike, Adidas and more.
Jacquemus and Nike Team With French Football Federation
The collection includes a jersey that will be worn as a pre-match shirt by French national team players this…
The Best Sneakers Releasing in June
Including the super-limited Air Jordan 3 Bin23 and the Nike Air Foamposite One Tianjin 2.0.
Palace, Nike, England Team Up on Three Lions Soccer-inspired Capsule
The latest England capsule under Nike's x2 series features pre-match kits and lifestyle pieces, hitting…
Naomi Osaka’s ‘Fashion Show,’ Facial Tattoos Rev Up French Open Fashion
The matches at Roland-Garros provide a global stage for players, considering last year's total viewership was…
Nike’s Air Force 1 Low Subtly Adopts the Sneaker Loafer Trend With a Buckle
A new look for the classic Triple Black colorway.
The Best Nike Sneakers Releasing in June
Including the Air Foamposite One "Tianjin 2.0" and a new Flyknit version of the Mind 001.
EXCLUSIVE: Yves Salomon Creates Stage Outfits for Aya Nakamura’s Paris Concerts
The fur and leather specialist created a dozen options for the French Malian hitmaker, who also dropped a…