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
Will Nike Sell Converse? One Analyst Thinks So.
BNP Paribas Equity Research senior analyst Laurent Vasilescu suggested the move in a research note on Monday.
Nike’s Valentine’s Day-themed Air Force 1s Are Coming Out in a Heart-covered ‘Pink Foam’ Colorway
Joining previously seen black and red tonal styles.
Nike’s Newest Remastered Air Max 95 OG Big Bubble Reissue Is Already Arriving at Retailers
The women's-exclusive Grape colorway will recieve a wider release in the coming weeks.
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Nike’s Paint-splattered GT Future Features a Subtle Nod to the Iconic ‘Galaxy’ Foamposite
The "Grand Purple" colorway is expected to release this year.
Ciara Gets Sporty for ‘New Year’s Rockin’ Eve’ Performance With Air Force 1 Sneakers
The shoes completed an all-white ensemble.
Nike Made Specialized Sneakers for Record-Setting College Quarterback After Amputation
Bram Kohlhausen was named Honorary Captain during the Alamo Bowl and wore one-of-a-kind Air Jordans.
Nike Announces Its Top Sneakers of the Year: Air Jordans, Foamposites and Kobes
The most-wanted styles of 2025 and more.
Nike Just Does It, Pays Thai Workers After Years of Pressure
Nike has agreed to pay owed wages to Thai garment workers, marking a major labor rights victory.
Nike Is Releasing a New Version of Its Classic Air Force 1 With Paisley Suede
The intricately stitched design appears in Baroque Brown.
The Best Nike Sneakers Releasing in January
Including the science-backed Mind franchise and Kobe Bryant's 81-point game sneaker.
Christmas Wrap: Retailers Relieved After Achieving Middling Gains
Though the holiday season is not an accurate barometer for the year ahead, there's some optimism that 2026…
7 of the Biggest Layoffs to Hit Footwear in 2025
Adidas, Nike and Puma were among the companies that cut jobs in 2025.
Nike Is Going All Out for Valentine’s Day With This All-red, Heart-covered Air Force 1
Joining an all-black pair previously leaked.
Undefeated Announces Release for the Last of Its Super-limited Nike Air Max 95s
The Medium Olive colorway was produced with just 2,000 pairs.