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 Best Nike Sneakers Releasing in September
Including the recovery tech Hyperslides and Pegasus Plus 2 running shoe.
How Nike’s Rough Ride and Dick’s New Challenges Mirror a Wider Industry Problem
Sports brands still have too much inventory in legacy footwear lifestyle models that need to be cleared out…
Nike Hires New Chief Commercial Officer from Walmart After Eliminating the Position Just Months Ago
Nike originally eliminated the role in December, which saw the exit of longtime executive Craig Williams.
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Nike Quietly Dropped a New ‘Intentional Recovery’ Sneaker That Hugs Your Foot Before and After Training
The just-released Nike 24.7 is available now in men's and women's sizing.
Nike ACG’s Picklejus Chases Mountain Running Perfection in Extreme Distances, Elevation and Terrain
The pinnacle mountain-running shoe introduces Goatek traction technology.
First Look: Ja Morant’s Latest Nike Sneaker Is Getting a New Halloween Release
The upcoming Nike Ja 4 release features mummified glow-in-the-dark details.
Nike’s Classic Air Force 1 Is Getting a New Release With Ribbons and Pearls for Fall
The Air Force 1 gets a perforated Vast Gray suede update exclusively for women.
This Dress Shoe-like Nike Air Force 1 Is Steeped in the Sneaker’s History
The Nike Air Force 1 Low "Air Soul" gets a finish reminiscent of cordovan leather.
Nike, Adidas and More: The Brands Worn by U.S. Open Women’s Singles Champions
See the tennis kits worn by Aryna Sabalenka, Coco Gauff and more.
2026 Fashion Scholarship Fund Summer Series Features Insights From June Ambrose, Maxwell Osborne, Dao-Yi Chow and More
Nike, Calvin Klein, J.Crew, TikTok, Nordstrom and Kate Spade offered their expertise with masterclasses and…
Michael Jordan’s Comeback Air Jordans Are Getting a New Low-top Update for the First Time Ever
The Air Jordan 10 Retro Low rollout will reportedly begin with a collaboration with The Whitaker Group.
Nike’s Mind-altering Shoes Are Getting a Restock in Three Sold-out Colorways
A brand-new women's colorway will also debut alongside the three existing variants.
Supreme Is Reviving an Obscure Nike Air Max Sneaker From the 2000s
The Air Max 2000 has been renamed the Air Max 2001 Air Ecstasy and has never before been brought out of the…
Nike’s Highly Anticipated ‘One Piece’ Air Max Collaboration Comes Out Next Month — Here’s All the Details
The collection features apparel and three colorways of the Nike Air Max Plus inspired by Devil Fruits.
Kobe Bryant’s Upgraded Nike Kobe 3 Protro Got a New Surprise Release in Time for His Birthday
Details on the Nike Kobe 3 Low Protro Crewnshaw sneaker.
