Nike
- Founded
-
January 25, 1964
- Founder(s):
-
Bill Bowerman, Phil Knight
- Headquarters:
-
Beaverton, Oregon, U.S.
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
Michael Jordan’s Limited-edition ‘Black Pack’ Air Jordans Get an Official Look Days Ahead of Their Release
The Air Jordan 16 Retro SP will be released alongside the Air Jordan 14 Retro Low SP.
Can Nike’s New Slate of Race-day Super Shoes Help Deliver a Much-needed Financial Win?
The Swoosh is up against stiff competition with Adidas dominating marathon podiums across the globe.
Michael Jordan’s Original Air Jordan 7 Championship Sneaker Is Finally Coming Back for the First Time in 15 Years
Find a first look at the upcoming Air Jordan 7 Retro OG Playoffs.
Nike Is One-upping Its Own Alphafly 4 With a New Super Shoe Boasting Double-Stacked Air Units
The Apex delivers a 40 percent better energy return than the Alphafly 3 compared to the Alphafly 4's 10…
Nike Loads Up an Air Max 95 With Cow Print Pony Hair, Croc Texture Leather and Snakeskin
It's the latest Swoosh shoe to adopt the animal print trend.
Nike’s Beloved Air Max Boot Is Getting a Luxe Croc Makeover — and There’s Even More New Styles on the Way
The Air Max Goadome Low will be released in Black and Midnight Navy croc colorways in October.
Nike Foamposite: Everything You Need to Know About the Air Foamposite One, Its Tech and More
Foamposite made its debut in 2017 and remains one of Nike's most forward thinking ideas today.
Devin Booker Debuts a Legendary Graffiti Collab on His Signature Nike Shoe
The Phoenix Sun wore a Futura x Nike Book 2 during his team's media day.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Debuts a New Virgil Abloh x Nike Air Force 1
The late designer's take on the classic sneaker may get its first release since 2002.
Here’s Everything You Need to Know About Nike Air Force 1 Shoes History
Examining the history and influence of one of Nike's most classic sneakers.
NikeSkims Lands in Shanghai With HKRI Taikoo Hui Pop-up
Kim Kardashian showed up at the slow pop-up, which was previously occupied by an IWC Schaffhausen boutique.
Will Nike’s New CFO Reset Expectations Amid Wall Street Scrutiny?
Nike CFO David Denton's charged with supporting "disciplined execution," which has some on Wall Street…
Colin Kaepernick Says He Still Wants to Return to the NFL
The former 49ers quarterback joined Jemele Hill at Detroit's Black Footwear Forum to discuss football…
Wise Words from Colin Kaepernick, D.M.C. and More at the 2026 Black Footwear Forum
The 2026 Black Footwear Forum in Detroit gathered icons of the fashion industry and students alike for a…
Analyst Predicts Nike Stock Could Fall to $30 After S&P 100 Drop
Bank of America analyst Lorraine Hutchinson cut Nike shares this week on an "underperform" rating of the…