Did You Know? 8 Fascinating Facts About the Establishment of Nike

 

When it comes to iconic brands, few stand as tall as Nike. Known worldwide for its

 “swoosh” logo and innovative athletic wear, Nike is more than just a footwear giant

—it’s a symbol of sport, ambition, and resilience. But the path to establishing this

 global brand was as thrilling and challenging as any Olympic journey. Here, we

 explore eight little-known yet crucial facts about Nike’s origins, delving into the

 personalities, breakthroughs, and decisions that built one of the most powerful

 brands of our time.

1. Nike Was Founded by a Coach and His Athlete

The Nike story begins with two key figures: Bill Bowerman, a track and field coach at

 the University of Oregon, and Phil Knight, one of his athletes. Bowerman’s

 dedication to improving athletes’ performance led him to experiment with

 different types of shoes and track surfaces, while Knight, a runner, shared his

 coach’s interest in finding ways to improve athletic performance.

Knight, after completing his MBA at Stanford, was intrigued by the idea of

 importing high-quality, affordable running shoes from Japan to compete with

 German brands dominating the U.S. market. Together, Bowerman and Knight joined

 forces, marking the beginning of a partnership that would eventually transform

 into Nike.

2. Originally Named Blue Ribbon Sports

Before Nike was a household name, the company operated under a different

 banner: Blue Ribbon Sports (BRS). Founded on January 25, 1964, Blue Ribbon

 Sports initially functioned as a distributor for the Japanese shoe brand Onitsuka

 Tiger, which is now known as ASICS. Phil Knight, in particular, had a vision for

 importing quality athletic shoes from Japan to the United States.

The name “Nike” was only adopted in 1971 when the company decided to design,

 manufacture, and sell its own line of shoes rather than act as a distributor. It was

 inspired by Nike, the Greek goddess of victory—a fitting symbol for a brand that

 would soon dominate the global sportswear industry.

3. The Iconic “Swoosh” Was Designed for $35

One of the most iconic logos in the world today, the Nike "swoosh" was created by

 graphic design student Carolyn Davidson in 1971. At the time, Davidson was a

 design student at Portland State University, where Phil Knight was also teaching.

 Knight approached her to create a logo for the new line of Nike-branded shoes,

 ultimately paying her $35 for her work.

Davidson’s simple yet dynamic design has come to symbolize speed, athleticism,

 and style, embodying the spirit of Nike. Although she was paid a modest amount

 initially, she was later compensated generously in Nike stock as the brand's

 success grew, acknowledging her role in creating one of the most recognized logos

 in the world.

4. The First Nike Shoe Was Made with a Waffle Iron

Bill Bowerman’s obsession with improving athletic performance through better

 footwear led him to experiment with unique materials and shoe designs. In 1971, he

 was inspired by the pattern of a waffle iron, thinking it would provide a unique,

 grippy texture for a running shoe sole. Bowerman famously poured rubber into his

 wife’s waffle iron, creating the prototype for the first Nike “waffle sole.”

This innovation became a defining feature of Nike’s early shoes, as the waffle sole

 provided better traction and durability for runners. Bowerman’s creative

 experimentation marked the beginning of Nike’s commitment to technological

 innovation in athletic wear.

5. The “Just Do It” Campaign Was Inspired by a Death Row Inmate

Nike’s slogan, “Just Do It,” is one of the most famous advertising slogans in history.

 Introduced in 1988, it’s simple yet powerful, capturing the essence of

 determination and action. Surprisingly, the slogan was inspired by the last words

 of Gary Gilmore, a convicted criminal on death row, who reportedly said, “Let’s do

 it” just before his execution in 1977.

Dan Wieden of the ad agency Wieden+Kennedy, who was working on Nike’s ad

 campaign, was inspired by this phrase, tweaking it to create “Just Do It.” This

 campaign helped propel Nike to new heights, encouraging people of all

 backgrounds to take action, challenge their limits, and embrace the spirit of

 athleticism.

6. Nike Faced Early Struggles with Adidas and Converse

Despite its eventual success, Nike faced intense competition in its early years.

 During the 1970s and 80s, Adidas and Converse were the dominant brands in the

 sportswear market. Adidas, especially, was widely regarded as the leader in

 athletic footwear, thanks to its strong presence in European and American

 markets.

However, Nike was able to differentiate itself through innovative marketing,

 focusing on endorsements from influential athletes and creating emotionally

 resonant advertisements. The brand’s association with elite athletes, especially

 Michael Jordan in the 1980s, helped it compete with these established players and

 gradually gain a foothold in the market.

7. The Air Jordan Deal Was a Game-Changer

Nike’s partnership with Michael Jordan in 1984 was revolutionary, not just for Nike

 but for sports marketing as a whole. At the time, Jordan was a young rookie with

 the Chicago Bulls, and Nike took a significant risk by investing heavily in him as

 the face of its new line of basketball shoes.

The first Air Jordans hit the market in 1985, and their success was immediate. The

 “Air Jordan” line went on to become one of the most successful athlete

 endorsements in history, launching a brand-within-a-brand that is still highly

 popular today. The Air Jordan deal marked a turning point for Nike, establishing It

 as the go-to brand for elite basketball performance wear.

8. Nike’s Innovations Expanded Beyond Footwear

While initially a running shoe company, Nike quickly expanded its product line to

 include apparel, accessories, and gear for a wide range of sports. Bowerman and

 Knight recognized early on that the key to sustained growth lay in diversification

 and innovation, both in technology and in product offerings.

Nike introduced “Nike Air” technology in the late 1970s, a development that used

 air-cushioned soles to enhance comfort and performance, followed by Nike Flyknit

 in 2012 and sustainable initiatives like Nike Grind, which repurposes old shoes and

 materials. These innovations helped Nike maintain its position at the forefront of

 the athletic wear industry and broaden its appeal to athletes and casual

 consumers alike.

The Legacy of Nike’s Founding and Evolution

Nike’s journey from a small distributor of Japanese running shoes to a global

 leader in athletic wear is a story of innovation, grit, and foresight. From its humble

 beginnings with Bill Bowerman’s waffle iron experiment to its game-changing

 endorsement deals and groundbreaking technological advancements, Nike’s

 foundation story reflects the brand’s relentless pursuit of excellence.

As Nike continues to evolve, its founding principles of performance, innovation,

 and empowerment remain at the heart of its brand. With each new product and

 campaign, Nike’s legacy as a pioneer in athletic wear only grows stronger. The

 brand’s origin story is a testament to how vision, innovation, and resilience can

 create a cultural phenomenon—an inspiring blueprint for aspiring entrepreneurs

 and brands worldwide.