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ANTWERP, BELGIUM - 2024/02/15: Illuminated trademark of the American athletic footwear and apparel corporation Nike, Inc. seen on the Nike Store window in Antwerp, Belgium. (Photo by Karol Serewis/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
The Nike logo seen on a Nike store window in Antwerp, Belgium. SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

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

Michael Jordan’s Classic Air Jordan 3 Is Getting a New Utility Upgrade

Early details on the all-new Air Jordan 3 Retro OG UT.

Caitlin Clark Debuts New Nike Kobe Exclusive Inspired by Iconic Video Game

Details on the star's Sonic the Hedgehog-inspired sneakers.

Nike Is Bringing Its Premium Patent Leather Treatment to a New Dunk Sneaker

A first look at the new pair, which is expected to be released this holiday season.

Nike’s Air Force 1 Is Coming Out in Exclusive Colorways Made for the Oregon Ducks

Two premium styles are set to be released later this year.

Michael Jordan’s Air Jordan 12 Gets a New ‘Bloodline’ Style Next Weekend — Here’s a Detailed Look

The anticipated pair is set for a May 23 launch.

Devin Booker’s McDonald’s x Nike Sneaker Reps the World’s Only Restaurant With Turquoise Arches

An unexpected celebration of Arizona.

Analyst: ‘More Cohesive’ Footwear Presentation Seen at Foot Locker, Champs

Telsey Advisory Group analyst Cristina Fernández said Champs "differentiated itself from Foot Locker with an…

Michael Jordan’s Air Jordan 3 Is Getting a New Pink Colorway in 2027

The women's-exclusive Neo Pink style is expected to be released in March.

Michael Jordan’s Most Popular Air Jordan Is Getting a Brand-new Women’s-exclusive Style

The Air Jordan 4 Retro "Spotlight" is expected to arrive at retail early next year.

Ja Morant’s Nike Sneaker Is Getting a Colorful Kool-Aid Collaboration That Comes Out This Month

Mismatched "Pink Lemonade" colors take over the Nike Ja 3.

Caitlin Clark’s New Nike Kobe PE Will Be Released Before Her Signature Sneaker

The Coconut Milk Nike Kobe 5 Protro is expected to be released next month.

Nike’s Remastered Air Max 95 Big Bubble Was Just Quietly Released in a New Tech Update

Two styles are available now stateside.

Nike Is Cooking Up a ‘Scream’-inspired Air Force 1 for Halloween

Continuing the legacy of the iconic "Freddy Krueger" Dunks.

Jelly Shoes Are Back for Another Summer, but 2026 Is Giving Them a Stranger Shape

After last summer's Skims and TikTok spike, Chloé, Loewe, Nike and more are pushing jelly shoes into mules…

Sneakers That Stood Out at Cannes Through the Years, From Spike Lee to Kristen Stewart and More

From Spike Lee in Jordans to Robert Pattinson in Converse, see the sneaker styles that have shown up at…