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
Central Cee’s Patent Leather Air Force 1 Is Dropping This Week in Only One Country
The British rapper's third Nike sneaker and second AF1 Low.
Is Nike at Risk of Losing Its ‘Superpower’ Status? Here’s Why One Analyst Thinks It’s a Possibility
UBS analyst Jay Sole also thinks Nike needs to shrink the percentage of its fashion-driven sportswear…
Nike SB’s Retooled Air Force 1 Will Get Its First Wide Release Next Week
Previously only sold at a single store during NBA All-Star Weekend.
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The Air Jordan 14 Retro "Chartreuse" is set for a 2027 reissue.
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Following the release of a similar Nike Kobe 6 Protro in 2025.
Michael Jordan’s First Post-Retirement Air Jordans Are Coming Back in a Colorway That Hasn’t Been Released in 22 Years
The first-ever reissue of the Air Jordan 10 Retro "Red Steel" is set for 2027.
Brett Chody on Her New Role at Nike and Bringing People Together Through Running
The lifestyle influencer and runner is the brand's first running global creator.
Caitlin Clark’s Long-awaited Rookie of the Year Nike Kobe Sneakers Are Releasing Next Week
Coming just ahead of the WNBA season.
Nike Names Veteran Andy Caine Chief Innovation Officer
He will succeed Tony Bignell, who is exiting the company after three decades.
Palace Cancels NYC Release for Nike Air Max 95 After Two Arrests During Wristband Distribution
Two 21-year-olds were charged with assault Thursday evening.
Nike’s Bouquet of Floral Air Force 1s Continues to Grow With a Blue Bell
The Air Force 1 Low gets its third different flower arrangement.
Nike’s Classic Air Force 1 Is Getting New Cow Print Colorway for Spring
It complements a black-and-white style, which will also be released soon.
Sabrina Ionescu’s Fourth Signature Nike Sneaker Adds a New Underfoot Plate
The Nike Sabrina 4 is coming in the summer.
Nike’s Covering Its Classic Air Force 1 in Denim for Latest Ja Morant Collaboration
The new style is set to arrive at retail this month.
LeBron James Uses His Nike Sneaker to Take a Little Dig at the Warriors Team He Defeated in 2016
The Nike LeBron 23 "Hurt Feelings Write History" calls back to Klay Thompson saying James' "got his feelings…