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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

Goat’s Week-Long Black Friday Event Will Have Extra-Rare Sneaker Drops and Free Giveaways

Louis Vuitton x Nike Air Force 1s, on-trend accessories, apparel and more are up for grabs.

What Wall Street Wants to Know About Dick’s, Foot Locker and Nike

Wall Street hopes Dick's Sporting Goods on Tuesday will provide details on its strategy for Foot Locker, and…

‘Stranger Things,’ Nike and Converse Are Dropping Five More ’80s-Centric Sneakers

Including the Air Max 1, Chuck 70 and more.

Nike Is Bringing Back a Cult-favorite Foamposite Sneaker From the Late ’90s

The Nike Total Air Foamposite Max is most commonly associated with Tim Duncan.

Devin Booker’s Second Nike Sneaker Continues His Love for the Old School

The Nike Book 2 is inspired by skateboarding, vintage cars and classic

Kobe Bryant’s Snakeskin Nike Air Force 1 May Have Its Boldest Look Yet

The textured upper gets a lenticular finish.

Chipotle and Nike Made This Custom Air Force 1 for the Doernbecher Program

Including details inspired by guac, paper bags and aluminum.

Inside Nike’s Newly Renovated Downtown Portland Store

First opened in 2011, Nike closed the location for renovation in late 2023.

Nike’s Slick GT Future Sneaker Will Finally Get a Wide Release in December

The "Metallic Silver" edition comes after a super-limited "Fire" drop over the summer.

Steph Curry’s Next Act: Potential Suitors Post Under Armour

Nike and Adidas for sure, but also New Balance, Puma, Reebok, Anta Sports and Li-Ning are possible suitors…

Nike’s Releasing a New Air Force 1 With Premium Materials and Metal Hardware

Star-shaped studs adorn the timeless sneaker.

Pharrell Is Auctioning Off Rare and One-of-a-Kind Shoes From His Personal Collection

50 pairs will be available this month from the Joopiter "The Footnotes: From the Collection of Pharrell…

Qorium Raises 22 Million Euros for Lab-grown Leather; Modern Meadow’s Handbag Collab: Sustainable Scene

Plus, executive moves at Accelerating Circularity ahead of 2027 factory opening, and Syre signs agreement…

Running Is Delivering Big Returns for Athletic Brands. Why Are Times So Good and How Long Can They Last?

Ahead of The Running Event, Footwear News spoke with insiders from throughout the industry.

On Holding Continues to Beat Projections in Third Quarter

Despite a resurging Nike, the Swiss sporting goods brand posted record sales and profitability and raised…