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ANTWERP, BELGIUM - 2024/02/15: Illuminated trademark of the American athletic footwear and apparel corporation Nike, Inc. seen on the Nike Store window in Antwerp, Belgium. (Photo by Karol Serewis/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
The Nike logo seen on a Nike store window in Antwerp, Belgium. SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

Nike

Founded

January 25, 1964

Founder(s):

Bill Bowerman, Phil Knight

Headquarters:

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 Kobe Bryant Kobe 4 Protro Blind Box Features 14 Colorways — Including 13 From Teams Who Didn’t Draft Him

A Los Angeles Lakers colorway features alongside editions for the 13 teams who passed on taking Bryant in the…

How Harrison Ford Ended Up in Air Jordan 3s and More Sneaker Moments From ‘Shrinking’ and ‘Running Point’

Costume designer Allyson Fanger spoke to FN about the presence of sneakers in the two comedy series.

Nike Surprise Releases a Special Knicks Air Force 1 Low in Just One NYC Store

Monday is the last day the sneaker will be available.

Nike Says It’s ‘Deeply Committed’ to Snkrs App After Speculation Swirls

The company clarified its strategy for the platform on Saturday.

Kobe Bryant’s Rare Air Force 1s Are Coming Out for the First Time and They’re Getting a Major Upgrade

An official look at the Nike Air Force 1 Protro "Denim" set to be released this month.

First Look: Michael Jordan’s Original ‘Space Jam’ Air Jordans Return for the First Time in 10 Years

The Air Jordan 9 is part of the film's 30th anniversary releases.

Nike Faces Class Action Over Tariff Refunds

Nike is the latest brand to come under fire from consumers seeking payback for the tariffs they say they paid…

Kids of Immigrants Is Turning a Classic Nike Soccer Boot Into a Sneaker Mule

Coming in two colorways just ahead of the World Cup.

Travis Scott’s Elusive Air Jordan Pack Is Coming Out After Several Delays

Featuring two Shy Pink-accented styles.

Kith Is Bringing One of the Most Iconic Air Force 1 Low Colorways to Air Max 95 This Summer

Fieg has previously called the Air Force 1 Low "Linen" his favorite sneaker of all time.

Kobe Bryant’s 2000s All-Star Sneakers Are Coming Back With a Protro Upgrade for the First Time

Early details on the Nike Kobe 4 Protro All-Star are expected to be released in 2027.

Deion Sanders’ Newly Updated Nike Air Max Sneaker Is Arriving in Stores Right Now

Details on the Nike Air DT Max '96 Low.

Nike’s Futuristic Foamposite Is Getting a New ‘Mummy’ Makeover for Halloween

Early details on the spooky style.

Michael Jordan’s Air Jordan Bloodline Sneaker Is Finally Being Released

Following purported delays and cancellations.

The Nike Air Max 95 Big Bubble ‘South Beach’ Takes a Page From One of LeBron’s Most Iconic Sneakers

Subtly incorporating turquoise and pink.