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
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Nike Updates Executive Lineup With Promotions
The company named Phil McCartney vice president and general manager of Nike Footwear.
Another Kardashian Acquaintance <em>Collaborates</em> With Nike
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Five Minutes With Kobe Bryant: Starting a Media Company, Editing Life, Getting Style Tips From His Daughters
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Nike <em>Sees Its Future in 3D</em> with New HP Partnership
Nike has announced a new partnership with information technology company HP, aimed to lead to further…
Nike is the World’s Most Valuable Clothing Brand
Winning, it seems, really is a habit for Nike. The athletic gear giant is the world's most valuable clothing…
Future of Sustainability Shapes Up at Copenhagen Fashion Summit
Key themes were collaboration, innovation, and education at the event that drew 1,250 fashion industry…
Nike Outlines New Sustainability Targets
Nike Inc. announced a new, broad set of sustainability targets for 2020 and beyond, promising to reduce its…
Nike Raises its Sustainability Game, Sets New Supply Chain Goals for 2020
Nike, the one-time poster child for bad corporate behavior, is now a leader in the realm of social…
Nike Sets Aggressive Sustainability, Social Targets for 2020
Nike has set key targets for improving its environmental impact and its entire supply chain by 2020.
Nike and VF Corp. Make List of <em>Best Corporate Citizens</em>
CR Magazine has just published their list of 100 Best Corporate Citizens for 2016, and the results include…
BHV Launches Fashion Sport Division
The French department store is looking to capitalize on the growing trend for women.
<b>Nike Inc.</b> Plays Musical Chairs With <em>Top Management</em>
Nike Inc. this week announced several key changes in management at its namesake Nike business and at…