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
Kids Rock Out at Moynihan Station
The Kids Rock! Fashion Show takes place at Moynihan Station.
Nike Focuses on <em>Digital Growth</em> with New Chief Digital Officer Role
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U.S. Markets Up Even as Rate Hikes Remain in the Future
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<em>Riccardo Tisci</em> Takes on the Nike Dunk
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Riccardo Tisci Just Does It
The Givenchy designer collaborates with Nike again to reinterpret the NikeLab Dunk shoe.
Nike Named <em>Most Buzzed</em> Footwear Brand of 2015
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Nike Alum to Lead Columbia Sportswear & Swire Resources Joint Venture
Joint venture partners Columbia Sportswear Company and Swire Resources Limited, announced the appointment of…
Nike Launches ‘Margot vs Lily’ Original Series
Nike kicked off the latest iteration of its Better For It campaign last night, an eight-part original series…
Nike Teams with Neymar Jr. for New <em>Ousadia Alegria</em> Boot
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Nike Reveals Design for World Headquarters Expansion
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Here’s How Nike Hopes to Hit $7B in Digital Sales by 2020
As the undisputed leader of the athletic apparel and footwear world, Nike raised few eyebrows last October…
NRF: Win Wallet Spend With Price Promotions, Create Loyal Customers With In-Store Experiences
Think discount devotees shop in the sales because they don't have a lot of disposable cash to splash? Think…
Report: Top Companies Using Hidden Workforce in Global Supply Chains
Fifty major corporations with combined revenues of $3.4 trillion have been accused of keeping a workforce of…
Nike to Introduce Tech Knit Apparel
The Windrunner jacket, pants and T-shirt will be available on the Nike Web site beginning Jan. 26.
Nike Debuts 2016 Black History Month Collection
Nike announced the launch of its 2016 Black History Month Collection. The limited-edition line will feature…