Nike
Nike, Inc is the world's premiere brand for sneakers, sports equipment, and sports clothing. Today, Nike has become almost synonymous with sneakers, amongst both casual wearers and devoted collectors. Borrowing its name from the Greek Goddess of Victory, Nike has truly dominated the sports industry and has introduced countless innovations into the world of sneakers and athletic shoes.
Brand History
Nike began its life in 1963 under the name Blue Ribbon Sports. The company was started by University of Portland track coach Bill Bowerman, and mid-distance runner Phil Knight. Blue Ribbon Sports sponsored rising local athletes and their first endorser, international tennis star Ilie Nastase.These two joined forces with the mission of importing high-tech, inexpensive shoes from Japan and introducing to the American market. Blue Ribbon Sports incorporated in 1967 and operates under this name until 1970. In this year, Bowerman decided that the company should change directions and begin designing its own shoes instead of simply acting as a retailer. He soon had the revelation that would lead to the famous Nike Waffle Outsole, as he experimented with rubber and a kitchen waffle iron. The company's name was changed to Nike, Inc. and a succession of sneakers featuring the Waffle Outsole were soon produced by the company.