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
The Force Is With Jalen Brunson and His Darth Vader-inspired Nike Kobe Sneakers
The Knicks star has said "Revenge of the Sith" is his favorite Star Wars film.
First Look: Michael Jordan’s Classic Air Jordan 3 Is Getting an Ultra-Premium Upgrade
The luxe Air Jordan 3 OG Bin 23 will be released this summer.
Nike’s Futuristic New Basketball Sneaker Is Getting a Limited-Edition Oregon Ducks Release
The special sneakers will only be released at one store.
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The Air Max 1000.2 features subtle changes in its outsole to speed up printing.
Stephen Curry’s Sneaker Free Agency Collection Achieves $1.7 Million at Sotheby’s Auction
The collection featured more than 70 sneakers from the athlete's "sneaker free agency" period.
‘Injury to One is Injury to All’: Why Oregon Educators and Asian Garment Workers Are Fighting Nike Together
The two groups accuse Nike of leading a "race to the bottom" fueled by local tax holidays and wage theft.
Spanish Sneaker Brand Hoff Taps Nike Alum Nicolas De Ros Wallace as CEO
He spent nearly 11 years at Nike, holding several leadership roles including vice president and general…
Nike Indulges Y2K Nostalgia With a Jelly Shoe That Can Be Worn Two Ways
Riffing on the Rejuven8 Run from 2008.
Nike Gives Its Sold-out, Mind-altering Sneaker a New Flyknit Upper
Featuring the same construction as Fragment's Mind 002 collaboration.
The Best Running Shoes for Men 2026: Whether You’re Chasing Distance or Speed
Running shoes are more advanced and more abundant than ever. Here are six of the best pairs leading the pack.
Michael Jordan’s Most Popular Air Jordan Is Coming Back in Two of Its Rarest Colorways
The Air Jordan 4's 'Black Laser' and 'White Laser' looks return for the first time ever.
The Best Nike Sneakers Releasing in May
Including the first low-top version of Deion Sanders' most beloved sneaker and a new colorway of the sold-out…
Nike’s SB Dunk Is Getting a Collaboration With This Beloved Skate Shop for the Very First Time
The Bluetile SB Dunk features butterfly-inspired details inspired by Mexican immigrants.
Ja Morant Just Revealed the First Official Look at His New Nike Signature Sneaker
The NBA star previewed several upcoming colorways.
Kobe Bryant’s Latest ‘Mambacita’ Tribute Sneakers Will Be Released Soon
The upgraded Nike Kobe 3 Protro Low gets a heartwarming new look.