Brand Story
Started as Blue Ribbon Sports importing Onitsuka Tigers. The Swoosh and Air Max line redefined how athletic footwear could behave as cultural object.
Timeline
- 1964
Founded as Blue Ribbon Sports
Phil Knight and Bill Bowerman start importing Onitsuka Tiger running shoes from Japan.
- 1971
Nike name + Swoosh
Renamed after the Greek goddess of victory. Carolyn Davidson designs the Swoosh for $35.
- 1984
Air Jordan launched
Michael Jordan signs $2.5M deal. Air Jordan 1 launches in 1985, revolutionizes signature athlete business.
- 1987
Air Max 1 unveils visible air
Tinker Hatfield's Air Max 1 introduces a visible air unit — birth of the Air Max franchise.
- 1988
Just Do It campaign
Wieden+Kennedy's campaign launches. Becomes one of the most recognized brand slogans ever.
- 2017
Virgil Abloh "The Ten"
Off-White × Nike "The Ten" deconstructed icons. Reshapes sneaker collaboration economics.
