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
Spring Weather Can Bring A Little Bit of Everything: Six Shoe Trends to Navigate the Fickle Season
FN breaks down the trending footwear styles for the new season.
Nike’s Original Air Max 95 ‘Slate’ Is Getting a Big Bubble Release for the First Time Ever
Some sizes have already been released at select retailers.
Ahead of Nike’s Q3 Report, Wall Street Is Pondering These 4 Big Concerns
Nike investors want to hear more about the brand's China business, North American growth and if lifestyle…
Nike’s First Collaboration With a Run Store Features a Super Shoe and Its Most Heavily Cushioned Trainer
California-based Renegade takes on the Vaporfly 4 and Vomero Premium with nods to Mexico.
Nike SB Reworks the Classic ‘Triple-Black’ Air Force 1 Low as a Suede Skateboarding Shoe
The SB AF1 Low has gotten just one limited release thus far.
What Sneakers are the Top NCAA Basketball Players Wearing? Swarovski-embellished Nikes and More
Braden Smith, Flau'jae Johnson, Cameron Boozer and more are among the top players.
Travis Scott on His Commitment to Education and His Love of Design
The rapper and Nike collaborator sponsored three scholars as part of the Fashion Scholarship Fund.
Euromonitor Reveals Top Global Shoe Brands in New Report
Nike, Adidas, Skechers and New Balance are the top four shoe brands in both the world and in the U.S., says…
Caitlin Clark Is Getting a New Nike Kobe PE Sneaker Release Soon
While fans await the reveal of Clark's debut signature shoe.
One of Nike’s Rarest Foamposite Sneakers Is Returning With a New Twist This Year
Don't expect the "Tianjin 2.0" Air Foamposite One to be easy to get.
Nike Restocking Its Futuristic, 3D-printed Air Max Sneaker for Air Max Day
The Air Max 1000 is back in black.
Nike Has a New Women’s-Exclusive Air Force 1 With Double-Lace Details
The pair is arriving at select overseas retailers now.
‘WWE 2K26’ Is Out Now — Here’s Every Nike and Air Jordan Sneaker Featured in the Game
Including the classic Air Force 1 and more.
From Court to Couture: This New Nike x Swarovski Air Jordan Makes Y2K Bling Cool Again
The $1,005 high-top's upper is swathed in authentic, shimmering Swarovski crystals that secure game-stopping…
Nike’s New Low-Profile Double-Laced Sneaker Reissue Is Being Compared to Miu Miu
The upcoming Sprint Sister retro arrives at stores soon.