NIKE REVOLUTION
Discover the legendary history of Nike, from its humble beginnings to becoming a global powerhouse in athletic footwear and apparel.
Discover the legendary history of Nike, from its humble beginnings to becoming a global powerhouse in athletic footwear and apparel.
Nike, originally known as Blue Ribbon Sports (BRS), was founded on January 25, 1964, by University of Oregon track athlete Phil Knight and his coach, Bill Bowerman. The company initially operated as a distributor for Japanese shoemaker Onitsuka Tiger, making most sales at track meets out of Knight's automobile.
In its first year in business, BRS sold 1,300 pairs of Japanese running shoes, grossing $8,000. By 1965, sales had reached $20,000. In 1966, BRS opened its first retail store at 3107 Pico Boulevard in Santa Monica, California.
The company was officially rebranded as Nike, Inc. on May 30, 1971, named after Nike, the Greek goddess of victory. The iconic Swoosh logo, designed by Carolyn Davidson (then a graphic design student at Portland State University), was first used on June 18, 1971, and registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on January 22, 1974.
Bill Bowerman (right) conversing with Phil Knight (left) and other members of the Oregon track team, circa 1960s.
Phil Knight and Bill Bowerman founded Blue Ribbon Sports, initially operating as a distributor for Onitsuka Tiger (now ASICS).
The company officially became Nike, Inc., named after the Greek goddess of victory. The iconic Swoosh logo was designed by Carolyn Davidson for just $35.
Bill Bowerman created the first "waffle" sole using his wife's waffle iron, leading to the "Moon Shoe" and later the "Waffle Trainer" in 1974.
Blue Ribbon Sports officially changes its name to Nike, Inc.
Nike goes public with an initial public offering of 2 million shares of common stock.
Nike introduces the Air Max 1, designed by Tinker Hatfield, featuring visible air cushioning.
Nike launches its iconic "Just Do It" slogan, created by advertising agency Wieden+Kennedy, transforming the brand's marketing approach.
Nike introduces the revolutionary Vaporfly line, featuring ZoomX foam and a carbon fiber plate, proven to improve marathon times by up to 4.2%.
Inspired by his wife's waffle iron, Bill Bowerman created the revolutionary waffle sole pattern for enhanced grip and lightweight performance on multiple surfaces.
Bill Bowerman used his wife's waffle iron to experiment on rubber to create a new sole for track shoes that would grip but be lightweight and increase the runner's speed.
Introduced in the Tailwind running shoe, Nike Air technology featured gas-filled urethane pouches that provided revolutionary cushioning for runners.
The Air Max 1 (1987) was the first to feature a visible air unit, designed by Tinker Hatfield, who was inspired by the Centre Pompidou in Paris.
A revolutionary upper material created through digital knitting, Flyknit provides lightweight support and reduces material waste by 60% compared to traditional cut-and-sew methods.
Developed over four years with programming and engineering teams, Flyknit represented Nike's commitment to sustainable innovation.
Introduced in the Vaporfly line, this combination of lightweight ZoomX foam and a carbon fiber plate revolutionized distance running, providing unprecedented energy return.
Studies have shown these shoes can improve marathon race time by up to 4.2%, making them game-changers in competitive running.
Building on the concept first seen in Back to the Future II, Nike Adapt technology uses motors and gears to automatically adjust fit, controlled via smartphone app.
This innovation represents Nike's push into connected footwear, merging digital technology with traditional footwear design.
Nike's commitment to zero carbon and zero waste, creating products using recycled materials and sustainable manufacturing processes.
In 2023, Nike announced the transition away from kangaroo leather to proprietary synthetic materials with improved performance characteristics.
Experience Nike innovation like never before with our interactive 3D model. Rotate, zoom, and explore the revolutionary design elements that make Nike shoes unique.
This interactive display showcases the blend of art, science, and performance that goes into every Nike product. Drag to rotate and scroll to zoom in on details.
The first basketball shoe to feature Nike Air technology, becoming one of the best-selling sneakers of all time with a rich heritage in both sports and culture.
Designed for Michael Jordan, this controversial shoe broke NBA color rules and was fined $5,000 per game. The "Banned" marketing campaign helped launch the most successful athlete-endorsed line ever.
Tinker Hatfield's revolutionary design featured the first visible air unit, inspired by Paris's Centre Pompidou. It launched the iconic Air Max line that continues to innovate today.
Revolutionizing marathon running with its carbon fiber plate and ZoomX foam, the Vaporfly has been proven to improve running economy by up to 4.2%, sparking debates about technological advantages in sport.
Discover the latest Nike deals updated in real-time. Our system connects directly to Nike's inventory to bring you the freshest discounts on footwear, apparel, and accessories.
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