Nike
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 Just Put the ‘Neon’ Air Max 95 Colorway on Another One of Its Classic Sneakers
The gray gradient look appears on the Air Max Plus.
Nike Is Releasing a New Foamposite for the Oregon Ducks
The once-exclusive "Mummy Duck" theme is getting a public release.
Trump to Sign Order For New 10 Percent Global Tariffs After Supreme Court Ruling
Trump's new reciprocal tariffs sets the stage for another round of uncertainty for shoe firms just hours…
WWD Recommends
Nike Shoe Prices Rose in Secondary Sneaker Market in January
Secondary sneaker market data is considered a proxy for Nike brand momentum, UBS analyst Jay Sole said.
A Ma Maniére’s New Nike Collaboration Includes Its Most Colorful Sneakers Yet — and They’re Only $95
Two colorways of the on-trend Nike V5 Rnr are set to arrive during spring 2026.
This Nike SB Dunk Takes Inspiration From the Arizona Diamondbacks’ Beloved Throwback Jerseys
Made in collaboration with pro skater and Phoenix-native Dashawn Jordan.
The Nike Air Max 90 Is Borrowing the Air Max 95’s ‘Neon’ Colorway
Two essential Air Max models collide.
Clean200 Tracks the Clean Economy and Fashion Barely Shows Up
The Carbon Clean 200 lists public companies making money in the clean energy economy. Consumer brands make up…
Tom Sachs’ ‘Boring’ Nike Sneaker Is Getting a New Leather Build
A dark look and perforated leather come to the General Purpose Shoe.
Jalen Brunson Marvels at Karl-Anthony Towns’ Above Average Shoe Size in All-Star Weekend Locker Room
The New York Knicks stars jokingly swapped sneakers.
Nike SB Is Making a Sneaker for Thrasher’s 45th Anniversary on a Pre-order Basis
Flipping the colorway of their 2006 collaboration.
Campillo Shows New Boots and Loafers With Mariano Shoes, Features Nike Total 90 Sneakers at Fall 2026 Show
The latest shoe range was unveiled on Saturday morning during New York Fashion Week.
The Top Five Sneakers From the 2026 NBA All-Star Game
Including the Kobe 3 Protro and LeBron 23 from Nike's "Warning Label" collection.
Nike’s Newest Basketball Sneaker Features a Rugged New Rubber for Outdoor and Indoor Play
The Nike S.T. Charge was revealed during NBA All-Star Weekend.
Nike Is Bringing Back the Iconic ‘Galaxy’ Theme on Its New GT Future Sneaker
The new style is already available for purchase in Fortnite.