Nike
Nike
Nike
founded
1964
headquarters
Beaverton, Oregon
1964
first logo
"Rent nightly from real people in 753 cities in 72 countries."
1964
first logo
"Rent nightly from real people in 753 cities in 72 countries."
Nike began in 1964 when University of Oregon track coach Bill Bowerman and his former student Phil Knight founded Blue Ribbon Sports (BRS).
Nike began in 1964 when University of Oregon track coach Bill Bowerman and his former student Phil Knight founded Blue Ribbon Sports (BRS).
Nike began in 1964 when University of Oregon track coach Bill Bowerman and his former student Phil Knight founded Blue Ribbon Sports (BRS).
blue ribbon sports ad
"Rent nightly from real people in 753 cities in 72 countries."
blue ribbon sports ad
"Rent nightly from real people in 753 cities in 72 countries."
They initially operated as distributors for Japanese shoe maker Onitsuka Tiger, importing and selling running shoes from Japan.
They initially operated as distributors for Japanese shoe maker Onitsuka Tiger, importing and selling running shoes from Japan.
They initially operated as distributors for Japanese shoe maker Onitsuka Tiger, importing and selling running shoes from Japan.
1971
nike logo
"Rent nightly from real people in 753 cities in 72 countries."
1971
nike logo
"Rent nightly from real people in 753 cities in 72 countries."
In 1971, Bowerman and Knight decided to start manufacturing their own shoes. They rebranded as Nike, named after the Greek goddess of victory. The famous Nike "Swoosh" logo was designed by graphic design student Carolyn Davidson for just $35. The same year, they launched their first line of footwear featuring the iconic Swoosh.
In 1971, Bowerman and Knight decided to start manufacturing their own shoes. They rebranded as Nike, named after the Greek goddess of victory. The famous Nike "Swoosh" logo was designed by graphic design student Carolyn Davidson for just $35. The same year, they launched their first line of footwear featuring the iconic Swoosh.
In 1971, Bowerman and Knight decided to start manufacturing their own shoes. They rebranded as Nike, named after the Greek goddess of victory. The famous Nike "Swoosh" logo was designed by graphic design student Carolyn Davidson for just $35. The same year, they launched their first line of footwear featuring the iconic Swoosh.
early nike ad
"Rent nightly from real people in 753 cities in 72 countries."
early nike ad
"Rent nightly from real people in 753 cities in 72 countries."
This ad was issued in 1971 to showcase Nike basketball shoes. This was the first poster to feature the 'Swoosh' logo and 'Nike' name.
This ad was issued in 1971 to showcase Nike basketball shoes. This was the first poster to feature the 'Swoosh' logo and 'Nike' name.
This ad was issued in 1971 to showcase Nike basketball shoes. This was the first poster to feature the 'Swoosh' logo and 'Nike' name.
nike cortez
"Rent nightly from real people in 753 cities in 72 countries."
nike cortez
"Rent nightly from real people in 753 cities in 72 countries."
The Nike Cortez is one of Nike's most historically significant sneakers. It was distinct from other running shoes of the time, featuring its unique red swoosh, a wedge heel, and foam cushioning. Nike's marketing strategy for the Cortez combined athletic performance with lifestyle appeal. In time, the shoe became known for its role in the 1972 Olympics as well as a cultural icon associated with West Coast style.
The Nike Cortez is one of Nike's most historically significant sneakers. It was distinct from other running shoes of the time, featuring its unique red swoosh, a wedge heel, and foam cushioning. Nike's marketing strategy for the Cortez combined athletic performance with lifestyle appeal. In time, the shoe became known for its role in the 1972 Olympics as well as a cultural icon associated with West Coast style.
The Nike Cortez is one of Nike's most historically significant sneakers. It was distinct from other running shoes of the time, featuring its unique red swoosh, a wedge heel, and foam cushioning. Nike's marketing strategy for the Cortez combined athletic performance with lifestyle appeal. In time, the shoe became known for its role in the 1972 Olympics as well as a cultural icon associated with West Coast style.
73' cortez ad
"Rent nightly from real people in 753 cities in 72 countries."
73' cortez ad
"Rent nightly from real people in 753 cities in 72 countries."
1974
waffle sole
"Rent nightly from real people in 753 cities in 72 countries."
1974
waffle sole
"Rent nightly from real people in 753 cities in 72 countries."
One morning while making breakfast, Bill Bowerman had a wild idea - he poured rubber into his wife's waffle iron to create a new kind of shoe grip.
One morning while making breakfast, Bill Bowerman had a wild idea - he poured rubber into his wife's waffle iron to create a new kind of shoe grip.
One morning while making breakfast, Bill Bowerman had a wild idea - he poured rubber into his wife's waffle iron to create a new kind of shoe grip.
waffle trainer
"Rent nightly from real people in 753 cities in 72 countries."
waffle trainer
"Rent nightly from real people in 753 cities in 72 countries."
Bowerman's kitchen experiment became the basis for Nike's groundbreaking Waffle Trainer, which hit stores in 1974.
Bowerman's kitchen experiment became the basis for Nike's groundbreaking Waffle Trainer, which hit stores in 1974.
Bowerman's kitchen experiment became the basis for Nike's groundbreaking Waffle Trainer, which hit stores in 1974.
1976
nike logo
"Rent nightly from real people in 753 cities in 72 countries."
1976
nike logo
"Rent nightly from real people in 753 cities in 72 countries."
In 1976, Nike opted for a bolder logo, with slanted uppercase letters, in contrast to the previous serif logo. This timeless mark is still in use today.
In 1976, Nike opted for a bolder logo, with slanted uppercase letters, in contrast to the previous serif logo. This timeless mark is still in use today.
In 1976, Nike opted for a bolder logo, with slanted uppercase letters, in contrast to the previous serif logo. This timeless mark is still in use today.
1979
tailwind
"Rent nightly from real people in 753 cities in 72 countries."
1979
tailwind
"Rent nightly from real people in 753 cities in 72 countries."
The Nike Air technology was first introduced in the Tailwind shoe. Developed in collaboration with aerospace engineer Frank Rudy, it used pressurized air pockets in the sole to provide superior cushioning and energy return.
The Nike Air technology was first introduced in the Tailwind shoe. Developed in collaboration with aerospace engineer Frank Rudy, it used pressurized air pockets in the sole to provide superior cushioning and energy return.
The Nike Air technology was first introduced in the Tailwind shoe. Developed in collaboration with aerospace engineer Frank Rudy, it used pressurized air pockets in the sole to provide superior cushioning and energy return.
1984
michael jordan x nike
"Rent nightly from real people in 753 cities in 72 countries."
1984
michael jordan x nike
"Rent nightly from real people in 753 cities in 72 countries."
In 1984, Nike was at a pivotal moment in its history, facing fierce competition from Reebok. They made the game-changing decision to sign rookie basketball player Michael Jordan to a $2.5 million contract where he would wear Nike products, appear in Nike advertisements, and create his own shoe line over the next 5 years.
In 1984, Nike was at a pivotal moment in its history, facing fierce competition from Reebok. They made the game-changing decision to sign rookie basketball player Michael Jordan to a $2.5 million contract where he would wear Nike products, appear in Nike advertisements, and create his own shoe line over the next 5 years.
In 1984, Nike was at a pivotal moment in its history, facing fierce competition from Reebok. They made the game-changing decision to sign rookie basketball player Michael Jordan to a $2.5 million contract where he would wear Nike products, appear in Nike advertisements, and create his own shoe line over the next 5 years.
nike airship
"Rent nightly from real people in 753 cities in 72 countries."
nike airship
"Rent nightly from real people in 753 cities in 72 countries."
Before the Air Jordan 1's 1985 release, Jordan briefly wore the Nike Airship in black and red. However, these violated NBA uniform guidelines, which dictated that shoes should be mostly white.
Before the Air Jordan 1's 1985 release, Jordan briefly wore the Nike Airship in black and red. However, these violated NBA uniform guidelines, which dictated that shoes should be mostly white.
Before the Air Jordan 1's 1985 release, Jordan briefly wore the Nike Airship in black and red. However, these violated NBA uniform guidelines, which dictated that shoes should be mostly white.
"banned" commercial
"Rent nightly from real people in 753 cities in 72 countries."
"banned" commercial
"Rent nightly from real people in 753 cities in 72 countries."
Nike turned this minor controversy into their legendary "Banned" marketing campaign, creating a myth that Nike paid a $5,000 fine every time Michael Jordan wore the 'Air Jordans'.
Nike turned this minor controversy into their legendary "Banned" marketing campaign, creating a myth that Nike paid a $5,000 fine every time Michael Jordan wore the 'Air Jordans'.
Nike turned this minor controversy into their legendary "Banned" marketing campaign, creating a myth that Nike paid a $5,000 fine every time Michael Jordan wore the 'Air Jordans'.
1985
air jordan 1
"Rent nightly from real people in 753 cities in 72 countries."
1985
air jordan 1
"Rent nightly from real people in 753 cities in 72 countries."
In 1985, the Air Jordan 1 launched to public in two colorways: Bred and Chicago. In the first year, Nike generated over $100 million in Air Jordan sales.
In 1985, the Air Jordan 1 launched to public in two colorways: Bred and Chicago. In the first year, Nike generated over $100 million in Air Jordan sales.
In 1985, the Air Jordan 1 launched to public in two colorways: Bred and Chicago. In the first year, Nike generated over $100 million in Air Jordan sales.
1988
"just do it" slogan
"Rent nightly from real people in 753 cities in 72 countries."
1988
"just do it" slogan
"Rent nightly from real people in 753 cities in 72 countries."
Nike's "Just Do It" slogan was created in 1988 by Dan Wieden. He was inspired by the last words of convicted murderer Gary Gilmore, who said "Let's do it" before his execution. The campaign helped grow Nike's sales from $877 million to $9.2 billion in a decade.
Nike's "Just Do It" slogan was created in 1988 by Dan Wieden. He was inspired by the last words of convicted murderer Gary Gilmore, who said "Let's do it" before his execution. The campaign helped grow Nike's sales from $877 million to $9.2 billion in a decade.
Nike's "Just Do It" slogan was created in 1988 by Dan Wieden. He was inspired by the last words of convicted murderer Gary Gilmore, who said "Let's do it" before his execution. The campaign helped grow Nike's sales from $877 million to $9.2 billion in a decade.
"just do it" commercial
"Rent nightly from real people in 753 cities in 72 countries."
"just do it" commercial
"Rent nightly from real people in 753 cities in 72 countries."
This commercial features 80-year old runner Walt Stack, who exemplified the new "Just Do It" slogan.
This commercial features 80-year old runner Walt Stack, who exemplified the new "Just Do It" slogan.
This commercial features 80-year old runner Walt Stack, who exemplified the new "Just Do It" slogan.
1995
tiger woods x nike
"Rent nightly from real people in 753 cities in 72 countries."
1995
tiger woods x nike
"Rent nightly from real people in 753 cities in 72 countries."
In 1995, Tiger Woods signed with Nike for $40 million. This iconic commercial features him juggling a golf ball on his wedge. It's clear that Nike's brand positioning was largely tied to athlete partnerships and storytelling through television ads, which we'll continue to see in the later years.
In 1995, Tiger Woods signed with Nike for $40 million. This iconic commercial features him juggling a golf ball on his wedge. It's clear that Nike's brand positioning was largely tied to athlete partnerships and storytelling through television ads, which we'll continue to see in the later years.
In 1995, Tiger Woods signed with Nike for $40 million. This iconic commercial features him juggling a golf ball on his wedge. It's clear that Nike's brand positioning was largely tied to athlete partnerships and storytelling through television ads, which we'll continue to see in the later years.
1999
Nike iD
"Rent nightly from real people in 753 cities in 72 countries."
1999
Nike iD
"Rent nightly from real people in 753 cities in 72 countries."
In 1999, Nike launched NikeID (now called Nike By You), which let anyone design their own custom shoes online. Shoppers could pick their colors, choose materials, and add personal touches. This brought the customization previously reserved for pro athletes to everyday consumers.
In 1999, Nike launched NikeID (now called Nike By You), which let anyone design their own custom shoes online. Shoppers could pick their colors, choose materials, and add personal touches. This brought the customization previously reserved for pro athletes to everyday consumers.
In 1999, Nike launched NikeID (now called Nike By You), which let anyone design their own custom shoes online. Shoppers could pick their colors, choose materials, and add personal touches. This brought the customization previously reserved for pro athletes to everyday consumers.
2003
lebron james x nike
"Rent nightly from real people in 753 cities in 72 countries."
2003
lebron james x nike
"Rent nightly from real people in 753 cities in 72 countries."
In 2003, Nike signed LeBron James for $90 million. On October 29, 2003, LeBron wore these Nikes to his very first NBA game. Since then, he has released over 21 shoes in his signature line.
In 2003, Nike signed LeBron James for $90 million. On October 29, 2003, LeBron wore these Nikes to his very first NBA game. Since then, he has released over 21 shoes in his signature line.
In 2003, Nike signed LeBron James for $90 million. On October 29, 2003, LeBron wore these Nikes to his very first NBA game. Since then, he has released over 21 shoes in his signature line.
2006
nike+ipod
"Rent nightly from real people in 753 cities in 72 countries."
2006
nike+ipod
"Rent nightly from real people in 753 cities in 72 countries."
Nike+ (now Nike Run Club), launched in 2006 with Apple. It used a shoe sensor that connected to iPods to track running stats. This was one of the first social fitness communities and it marked Nike's expansion into digital technology.
Nike+ (now Nike Run Club), launched in 2006 with Apple. It used a shoe sensor that connected to iPods to track running stats. This was one of the first social fitness communities and it marked Nike's expansion into digital technology.
Nike+ (now Nike Run Club), launched in 2006 with Apple. It used a shoe sensor that connected to iPods to track running stats. This was one of the first social fitness communities and it marked Nike's expansion into digital technology.
2012
find your greatness
"Rent nightly from real people in 753 cities in 72 countries."
2012
find your greatness
"Rent nightly from real people in 753 cities in 72 countries."
During the 2012 Olympics, Nike launched this ad that spearheaded no professional athlete or feat, but rather connected Nike's brand to ordinary people's athletic journeys, establishing Nike as a lifestyle brand for anyone.
During the 2012 Olympics, Nike launched this ad that spearheaded no professional athlete or feat, but rather connected Nike's brand to ordinary people's athletic journeys, establishing Nike as a lifestyle brand for anyone.
During the 2012 Olympics, Nike launched this ad that spearheaded no professional athlete or feat, but rather connected Nike's brand to ordinary people's athletic journeys, establishing Nike as a lifestyle brand for anyone.
2017
breaking2
"Rent nightly from real people in 753 cities in 72 countries."
2017
breaking2
"Rent nightly from real people in 753 cities in 72 countries."
Breaking2 was Nike's ambitious project in 2017 to break the two-hour marathon barrier. Eliud Kipchoge wore the Nike Vaporfly, a controversial shoe with specialized carbon plates and cushion that allowed for 4% improvement in energy return. This event generated global media attention for Nike while positioning them as a leader in athletic innovation.
Breaking2 was Nike's ambitious project in 2017 to break the two-hour marathon barrier. Eliud Kipchoge wore the Nike Vaporfly, a controversial shoe with specialized carbon plates and cushion that allowed for 4% improvement in energy return. This event generated global media attention for Nike while positioning them as a leader in athletic innovation.
Breaking2 was Nike's ambitious project in 2017 to break the two-hour marathon barrier. Eliud Kipchoge wore the Nike Vaporfly, a controversial shoe with specialized carbon plates and cushion that allowed for 4% improvement in energy return. This event generated global media attention for Nike while positioning them as a leader in athletic innovation.
2024
paris olympics
"Rent nightly from real people in 753 cities in 72 countries."
2024
paris olympics
"Rent nightly from real people in 753 cities in 72 countries."
Nike's ads during the Paris Olympics emphasized sharp and bold branding, as well as the conversation-starting message that athletes possess qualities often perceived as negative, such as obsession with power and a lack of empathy.
Nike's ads during the Paris Olympics emphasized sharp and bold branding, as well as the conversation-starting message that athletes possess qualities often perceived as negative, such as obsession with power and a lack of empathy.
Nike's ads during the Paris Olympics emphasized sharp and bold branding, as well as the conversation-starting message that athletes possess qualities often perceived as negative, such as obsession with power and a lack of empathy.
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handcrafted by jade franson