It’s no secret that Nike is one of the biggest brands in the world. In fact, most of us probably own one, if not more pairs of Nikes. But just where did this global brand come from? Spoiler alert, Nike didn’t just drop from the sky to get where it is today. There was a hell of a lot of hard work and an entire team behind the success of the Swoosh. While most of us will be familiar with Nike, the story behind its success is relatively unknown, so here at Crepslocker we’ve decided to shine the light on some of the most iconic moments behind the Oregon-based brand, as well as answering some frequently asked questions.
So whether you’re a seasoned sneakerhead or budding footwear enthusiast, get comfortable as we’re about to dive straight into the Nike history books, you might even learn a thing or two!
When was Nike Founded?
To begin, it’s important to look at the very roots of the Swoosh, with many people asking when was Nike founded? Now this question is a little more difficult to answer than you might think, as what we know today as Nike was actually founded as a different brand entirely. Officially, the business started in 1964, although it was named Blue Ribbon Sports and was actually a sneaker importing business, offering Japanese sneakers from the likes of Onitsuka Tiger to the American market.
By May 1971, Blue Ribbon Sports had been officially renamed Nike, with the introduction of the famous Swoosh logo that we know and love today. It was around this time that the brand began producing its own footwear designs, selling them to athletes around America.
Who Owns Nike?
When Blue Ribbon Sports was founded back in the day, it was former Oregon track athlete Phil Knight that created the business. Knight eventually enlisted the help of his former track coach Bill Bowerman to help transform the company into Nike, forming a powerful partnership that would help create the brand that we know today. The duo enjoyed a long and fruitful relationship as co-founders until Bowerman unfortunately passed away in 1999. Today, Phil Knight and his son Travis Knight still own approximately 97% of the Nike company, despite numerous attempts at investment over the years.
Numerous notable figures have worked for Nike since the label’s inception, such as Mark Parker who served as CEO of the Swoosh from 2006-2020, and John Donahoe who is the current CEO of the brand.
Where is Nike From?
With Phil Knight a student at the University of Oregon and Bill Bowerman his track coach also at the university, it’s safe to say that Nike is officially from Oregon. The label continues to operate its global headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon and holds strong ties with the University and local sports teams such as the Oregon Ducks. Nike has launched plenty of projects that pay homage to Oregon over the years, as well as regularly showing off green and yellow colour schemes inspired by the area’s colours.
Of course, being a multinational company, Nike also holds offices around the world, including a European HQ in the Netherlands, a Shanghai HQ and even a NYC-based outpost.
What Does Nike Mean?
While most of us will be familiar with the work Nike, it’s not common knowledge what the words actually means. In short, Nike is the name of the Greek goddess of victory. With the Swoosh being an athletics-driven brand, this name made perfect sense when Phil Knight and Bill Bowerman were trying to rename Blue Ribbon Sports in the early ‘70s. What’s more, the Swoosh logo is actually inspired by the sound of speed. Designed by Carolyn Davidson, the logo represents that arch of movement and is now one of the most globally-recognised brand designs of all time.
When Did Jordan Join Nike?
For many sneakerheads, Michael Jordan is synonymous with Nike. While the Chicago Bulls superstar may have his own subsidiary with Nike (known as Jordan Brand), the Swoosh first signed him as a signature athlete back in 1984, when he was playing in his rookie NBA season. Jordan started out rocking the rarely-seen Nike Air Ship, however when the Air Jordan 1 launched in 1985 he quickly began wearing his first-ever signature sneaker. Ever since then, Nike has continued to work with Jordan, with the duo launching over 35 signature silhouettes to date, with that number only increasing each year.
Many of Jordan’s signature sneakers such as the AJ1, AJ4 and AJ5 have gone on to become some of the most successful Nike models of all time, with Jordan sneakers often used for high-heat collaborations with the likes of Off-White, Travis Scott and many more.
Air Max & Beyond
By 1987, a young footwear designer by the name of Tinker Hatfield had begun working for Nike, setting to work on a silhouette that would transform the world of sneakers. Launched by the name of the Air Max 1, the sneaker was the first ever to feature visible Air technology, paving the way for the entire Air Max family that came after. Models such as the Air Max 90, Air Max 95 and Air Max 97 are still incredibly successful to this day, within both the sneaker and fashion worlds.
In the years to come, Nike would continue to dominate both the athletic and lifestyle sneaker categories, with many regarding the Swoosh as one of the greatest brands of all time. Here at Crepslocker we’re avid Nike fans, so be sure to browse our full range right here and stay locked in for even more sneaker news, updates and history, as well as the latest in luxury fashion and streetwear!