Pomellato to Stage Paris Exhibit
Nike
- Founded
-
January 25, 1964
- Founder(s):
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Bill Bowerman, Phil Knight
- Headquarters:
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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
Meek Mill Calls Out Nike for Using His Song and Album Title for LeBron Collection
A T-shirt also uses a graphic similar to one of the rapper's mixtape covers.
Charles Barkley’s Most Popular ’90s Nike Sneaker Is Coming Out in New Low-top Looks
The Nike Air Max2 CB 94 Low returns following Supreme's SB collaboration.
A Ma Maniére Is Dropping a Colorful Six-pack of Nike Air Force 1s This Summer
Deviating from the boutique's typical collaborative palette.
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The popular pattern appears in Pink Grapefruit.
Nike’s Big Bubble Air Max 95 Gets Hit With a Laser-etched Bandana Print
Western flair arrives to the hot sneaker.
Nike’s Sold-out, 3D-printed Air Max 1000 Is Quickly Returning in Its Updated Form
The Air Max 1000.2 gets its second release of the month.
Nike’s Sold-out, Mind-altering Shoe Is Getting a New Build
Flyknit comes to the Mind 001 mule.
Michael Jordan’s Classic Air Jordan 3 Is Coming Back With Original Details for the First Time in More Than a Decade
The White Cement Air Jordan 3 Retro returns in 2027.
This Rare Nike Foamposite Is Being Released in the U.S. for the First Time Ever
Details on the upcoming "Tianjin 2.0" launch.
The Nike Air Force 1’s Most Infamous Colorway Is Getting a Denim Remix
Triple Black gets a new look in denim and suede.
Nike’s Futuristic New Air Max Sneaker Is Getting Fresh Colors for Summer
The Air Liquid Max gets a Bright Crimson/Fire Red colorway.
Deion Sanders’ Nike Sneaker Goes Boldly Where It’s Never Gone Before in Red Patent Leather
The shoe invokes his time with the Atlanta Falcons and Braves.