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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

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

East L.A. Gets Nike Community Store

The door is the sixth outpost of this retail format for the company and is focused on community involvement.

Nike Seeks $50 Billion in Sales by 2020

Nike isn’t worried about Under Armour’s quest to rule the activewear market. In fact, the Beaverton…

Nike’s $11 Billion Goal for Women

Nike focused much of its investor day presentation on goals for building its women's business.

Nike Shoots for $50B by 2020

Nike sets ambitious plan to boost revenues by nearly $20 billion over next five years.

Nike Winterizes Fan Favorites for Holiday 2015

Nike wants to give traditional winter boots a run for their month this winter with the Holiday 2015…

Portland Bolsters Its Base Camp for the Outdoor and Athletic Sector

Oregon has been home to the big players in sporting goods for a long time, and now has begun to draw upstarts…

Stadium Goods Opens SoHo Flagship

John McPheters, formerly of Flight Club, has partnered with Jed Stiller and Yu-Ming Wu to open Stadium Goods…

OrthoLite Appoints New COO, Expands Product Development

OrthoLite has tapped John Barrett as its new chief operating officer and retained Skip Lei to help expand…

Nike’s Phil Knight Pens Memoir Due Next Year

Nike Inc. Co-Founder and Chairman Phil Knight has written a memoir set to be published next spring by the…

City Sports Files for Bankruptcy Protection

Boston-based athletic retailer City Sports Inc. filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection Monday after more…

Cool Running: Nike Unwraps Thermoregulation Textile Technology

Nike wants to help runners stay focused and sustain speed over distance without overheating.

Civetta Exhibition Opens at the Italian Cultural Institute

A mid-career survey of the work of Michele Civetta is on display at the Italian Cultural Institute.

Finish Line Stumbles on the Sneaker War Battlefield

Athletic footwear retailer Finish Line (FINL) reported disappointing financial results late last week…

Nike and MIT Call for Textile Innovation to Combat Climate Change

The latest step in the athletic giant's strategy to shrink its supply-chain footprint involves teaming up…

Levi’s Kids Rock the Runway

While New York Fashion Week (NYFW) is mainly about the women’s shows, celebrity mommies and their respected…