Introduction
Nike is more than just a sportswear brand. It is a global icon, a cultural force, and a symbol of ambition, innovation, and style. What started as a small company importing Japanese running shoes grew into a business worth billions, shaping the way we dress, train, and express ourselves.
At Saxumo.com, Nike is one of the most important brands we stock, from everyday essentials to performance focused sportswear. Whether it is Nike trainers, Nike tracksuits, or Nike hoodies, Nike continues to inspire athletes and trendsetters alike.
But how did it all begin and how did Nike become one of the most powerful names in the world?
Origins Blue Ribbon Sports 1964 to 1971
The Nike story starts in 1964 with Phil Knight, a young middle distance runner from the University of Oregon, and his coach Bill Bowerman. Together they launched Blue Ribbon Sports with one goal, to bring high quality running shoes to American athletes.
At first they acted as the United States distributor for Japanese brand Onitsuka Tiger, today known as ASICS. Phil Knight sold shoes from the boot of his car at track meets, while Bowerman experimented with shoe designs for his runners.
One of Bowerman’s experiments became legendary, pouring rubber into a waffle iron to create a new kind of sole that was lighter, more flexible, and provided better grip. This idea would later inspire some of Nike’s most famous running shoes.
Blue Ribbon Sports grew steadily through the 1960s, laying the foundation for a rebrand that would transform the business forever.
The Birth of Nike and the Swoosh 1971
By 1971 the partnership with Onitsuka Tiger was ending. Knight and Bowerman decided to launch their own line of athletic shoes under a new brand. The name chosen was Nike, inspired by the Greek goddess of victory.
The now world famous Swoosh logo was designed by Carolyn Davidson, a design student who was paid just 35 dollars for her work. Nobody realised that this simple checkmark would go on to become one of the most recognised logos on the planet.
Although Carolyn Davidson was originally paid just 35 dollars for creating the Nike Swoosh, her contribution was later recognised in a much bigger way. In 1983, more than a decade after she designed the logo, Nike co-founder Phil Knight presented her with a gold Swoosh ring and an undisclosed number of Nike shares as a thank you for her work.
Those shares, once modest, are now believed to be worth a significant sum given Nike’s global success.
Nike’s first official release under its own branding was the Nike Cortez. Designed to be lightweight, durable, and stylish, the Cortez not only became a favourite among runners but also crossed into mainstream fashion.
Timeline Nike’s Rise to Global Power
1964 The Beginning
Phil Knight and Bill Bowerman create Blue Ribbon Sports, selling Onitsuka Tiger running shoes.
1971 The Nike Name and Swoosh
The company becomes Nike Inc. The Swoosh logo is introduced.
1972 Nike Cortez Launch
The Cortez becomes the first major Nike success, loved by athletes and the public.
1984 Air Jordan Revolution
Nike signs Michael Jordan. The Air Jordan 1 changes basketball, sneaker design, and launches sneaker culture.
1988 Just Do It
Nike introduces its most famous slogan, Just Do It, a campaign that inspires generations and cements Nike as a cultural force.
1990s Global Expansion
Nike sponsors international stars such as Ronaldo, Tiger Woods, and Serena Williams. Sportswear categories including Nike T shirts and tracksuits become everyday fashion.
2000s Innovation and Technology
Nike pushes boundaries with Flyknit technology, Nike Free running shoes, and the Nike plus iPod partnership.
2010s Fashion Meets Sportswear
Collaborations with Off White, Travis Scott, Supreme, and Sacai elevate Nike into high fashion. Nike hoodies collection and limited sneaker drops become cultural icons.
2020s Sustainability and the Digital Era
Nike launches the Move to Zero campaign, focusing on sustainability, recycled materials, and carbon reduction. Digital sneaker drops and apps change how fans buy Nike products.
The Air Jordan Revolution
No chapter in Nike’s history is more important than the signing of Michael Jordan in 1984. At the time Jordan was a rookie in the NBA and many brands overlooked him. Nike took a chance, creating a dedicated line, the Air Jordan 1.
The shoes broke NBA rules with their bold colours, leading to fines for Jordan every time he wore them. Nike paid the fines and used the controversy as marketing fuel. The result was a cultural explosion that created modern sneaker culture.
Air Jordans became symbols of style, identity, and self expression. What began as a basketball shoe grew into a fashion empire that remains central to Nike today.
Nike Marketing Genius Just Do It
In 1988 Nike launched the Just Do It campaign, one of the most successful advertising slogans of all time. Simple yet powerful, it captured the spirit of ambition and determination.
The campaign, paired with athlete endorsements, pushed Nike ahead of competitors like Reebok and Adidas during the late 1980s. It was more than advertising, it was motivation.
Cultural Impact Sport Meets Style
Nike is not just about performance. From the 1980s onward, Nike became a key player in music, streetwear, and youth culture.
- In hip hop, Nike Air Force 1s became a staple
- In skateboarding, Nike SB shoes created a new subculture
- In fashion, collaborations with designers like Virgil Abloh blurred the lines between sport and luxury
For customers today, Nike is not only sportswear, it is part of a lifestyle. Owning a pair of Air Max, a tracksuit, or a hoodie is as much about culture as performance.
Innovation and Sustainability
Nike has never stopped innovating. Flyknit technology reduced waste while creating lightweight shoes. Air units in trainers gave cushioning and performance an edge.
Today Nike’s Move to Zero initiative aims to create a zero carbon, zero waste future. Shoes and apparel now use recycled polyester, sustainable cotton, and innovative materials.
This focus on sustainability positions Nike as a forward looking brand, appealing to both athletes and conscious consumers.
Nike Today
Nike is now valued at billions and remains the world’s most recognised sportswear company. Its reach extends across every sport, every continent, and every cultural scene.
At Saxumo.com, Nike continues to be one of the most in demand collections. Whether it is Nike trainers for the gym, Nike tracksuits for casual wear, or Nike hoodies for everyday comfort, Nike products remain a fusion of performance and style.
External Reading Suggestions
For deeper reading, you can explore:
Nike’s official newsroom for brand announcements and history
Smithsonian Magazine for insights into sports history and culture
FAQs
Q: When was Nike founded?
Nike was founded in 1964 as Blue Ribbon Sports and became Nike Inc. in 1971.
Q: What was Nike’s first shoe?
The Nike Cortez, launched in 1972, was Nike’s first major success.
Q: Why is it called Nike?
The name comes from the Greek goddess of victory, symbolising triumph and ambition.
Q: What is Nike most famous for?
Nike is famous for its trainers, performance technology, and cultural impact through campaigns and collaborations.
Q: How did Air Jordan change Nike?
Air Jordan transformed Nike into a cultural powerhouse, creating modern sneaker culture and driving fashion trends.
Q: Where can I shop Nike products online?
You can explore the full Nike range here Nike collection page.
Final Thoughts
Nike’s story is one of innovation, risk taking, and cultural influence. From a start up importing shoes to a global leader, Nike has defined the sportswear industry for more than 50 years.
For athletes, artists, and everyday people, Nike remains a brand that represents ambition, self belief, and style.
At Saxumo.com, we are proud to bring you the best of Nike. Explore Nike trainers, Nike tracksuits, and Nike hoodies to be part of this legacy.
The History of Nike: From Track Field Start up to Global Sportswear Powerhouse
Introduction
Nike is more than just a sportswear brand. It is a global icon, a cultural force, and a symbol of ambition, innovation, and style. What started as a small company importing Japanese running shoes grew into a business worth billions, shaping the way we dress, train, and express ourselves.
At Saxumo.com, Nike is one of the most important brands we stock, from everyday essentials to performance focused sportswear. Whether it is Nike trainers, Nike tracksuits, or Nike hoodies, Nike continues to inspire athletes and trendsetters alike.
But how did it all begin and how did Nike become one of the most powerful names in the world?
Origins Blue Ribbon Sports 1964 to 1971
The Nike story starts in 1964 with Phil Knight, a young middle distance runner from the University of Oregon, and his coach Bill Bowerman. Together they launched Blue Ribbon Sports with one goal, to bring high quality running shoes to American athletes.
At first they acted as the United States distributor for Japanese brand Onitsuka Tiger, today known as ASICS. Phil Knight sold shoes from the boot of his car at track meets, while Bowerman experimented with shoe designs for his runners.
One of Bowerman’s experiments became legendary, pouring rubber into a waffle iron to create a new kind of sole that was lighter, more flexible, and provided better grip. This idea would later inspire some of Nike’s most famous running shoes.
Blue Ribbon Sports grew steadily through the 1960s, laying the foundation for a rebrand that would transform the business forever.
The Birth of Nike and the Swoosh 1971
By 1971 the partnership with Onitsuka Tiger was ending. Knight and Bowerman decided to launch their own line of athletic shoes under a new brand. The name chosen was Nike, inspired by the Greek goddess of victory.
The now world famous Swoosh logo was designed by Carolyn Davidson, a design student who was paid just 35 dollars for her work. Nobody realised that this simple checkmark would go on to become one of the most recognised logos on the planet.
Although Carolyn Davidson was originally paid just 35 dollars for creating the Nike Swoosh, her contribution was later recognised in a much bigger way. In 1983, more than a decade after she designed the logo, Nike co-founder Phil Knight presented her with a gold Swoosh ring and an undisclosed number of Nike shares as a thank you for her work.
Those shares, once modest, are now believed to be worth a significant sum given Nike’s global success.
Nike’s first official release under its own branding was the Nike Cortez. Designed to be lightweight, durable, and stylish, the Cortez not only became a favourite among runners but also crossed into mainstream fashion.
Timeline Nike’s Rise to Global Power
1964 The Beginning
Phil Knight and Bill Bowerman create Blue Ribbon Sports, selling Onitsuka Tiger running shoes.
1971 The Nike Name and Swoosh
The company becomes Nike Inc. The Swoosh logo is introduced.
1972 Nike Cortez Launch
The Cortez becomes the first major Nike success, loved by athletes and the public.
1984 Air Jordan Revolution
Nike signs Michael Jordan. The Air Jordan 1 changes basketball, sneaker design, and launches sneaker culture.
1988 Just Do It
Nike introduces its most famous slogan, Just Do It, a campaign that inspires generations and cements Nike as a cultural force.
1990s Global Expansion
Nike sponsors international stars such as Ronaldo, Tiger Woods, and Serena Williams. Sportswear categories including Nike T shirts and tracksuits become everyday fashion.
2000s Innovation and Technology
Nike pushes boundaries with Flyknit technology, Nike Free running shoes, and the Nike plus iPod partnership.
2010s Fashion Meets Sportswear
Collaborations with Off White, Travis Scott, Supreme, and Sacai elevate Nike into high fashion. Nike hoodies collection and limited sneaker drops become cultural icons.
2020s Sustainability and the Digital Era
Nike launches the Move to Zero campaign, focusing on sustainability, recycled materials, and carbon reduction. Digital sneaker drops and apps change how fans buy Nike products.
The Air Jordan Revolution
No chapter in Nike’s history is more important than the signing of Michael Jordan in 1984. At the time Jordan was a rookie in the NBA and many brands overlooked him. Nike took a chance, creating a dedicated line, the Air Jordan 1.
The shoes broke NBA rules with their bold colours, leading to fines for Jordan every time he wore them. Nike paid the fines and used the controversy as marketing fuel. The result was a cultural explosion that created modern sneaker culture.
Air Jordans became symbols of style, identity, and self expression. What began as a basketball shoe grew into a fashion empire that remains central to Nike today.
Nike Marketing Genius Just Do It
In 1988 Nike launched the Just Do It campaign, one of the most successful advertising slogans of all time. Simple yet powerful, it captured the spirit of ambition and determination.
The campaign, paired with athlete endorsements, pushed Nike ahead of competitors like Reebok and Adidas during the late 1980s. It was more than advertising, it was motivation.
Cultural Impact Sport Meets Style
Nike is not just about performance. From the 1980s onward, Nike became a key player in music, streetwear, and youth culture.
For customers today, Nike is not only sportswear, it is part of a lifestyle. Owning a pair of Air Max, a tracksuit, or a hoodie is as much about culture as performance.
Innovation and Sustainability
Nike has never stopped innovating. Flyknit technology reduced waste while creating lightweight shoes. Air units in trainers gave cushioning and performance an edge.
Today Nike’s Move to Zero initiative aims to create a zero carbon, zero waste future. Shoes and apparel now use recycled polyester, sustainable cotton, and innovative materials.
This focus on sustainability positions Nike as a forward looking brand, appealing to both athletes and conscious consumers.
Nike Today
Nike is now valued at billions and remains the world’s most recognised sportswear company. Its reach extends across every sport, every continent, and every cultural scene.
At Saxumo.com, Nike continues to be one of the most in demand collections. Whether it is Nike trainers for the gym, Nike tracksuits for casual wear, or Nike hoodies for everyday comfort, Nike products remain a fusion of performance and style.
External Reading Suggestions
For deeper reading, you can explore:
Nike’s official newsroom for brand announcements and history
Smithsonian Magazine for insights into sports history and culture
FAQs
Q: When was Nike founded?
Nike was founded in 1964 as Blue Ribbon Sports and became Nike Inc. in 1971.
Q: What was Nike’s first shoe?
The Nike Cortez, launched in 1972, was Nike’s first major success.
Q: Why is it called Nike?
The name comes from the Greek goddess of victory, symbolising triumph and ambition.
Q: What is Nike most famous for?
Nike is famous for its trainers, performance technology, and cultural impact through campaigns and collaborations.
Q: How did Air Jordan change Nike?
Air Jordan transformed Nike into a cultural powerhouse, creating modern sneaker culture and driving fashion trends.
Q: Where can I shop Nike products online?
You can explore the full Nike range here Nike collection page.
Final Thoughts
Nike’s story is one of innovation, risk taking, and cultural influence. From a start up importing shoes to a global leader, Nike has defined the sportswear industry for more than 50 years.
For athletes, artists, and everyday people, Nike remains a brand that represents ambition, self belief, and style.
At Saxumo.com, we are proud to bring you the best of Nike. Explore Nike trainers, Nike tracksuits, and Nike hoodies to be part of this legacy.