Introduction
Nike is everywhere, but do you really know its history? From sneakers to sweatshirts to accessories, Nike has become a global icon. But behind this legendary brand lies a fascinating story of daring and innovation.
You must be asking yourself a lot of questions! Who created the Nike brand? How was Nike born? Why the Nike comma? You'll discover the history of the Nike swoosh logo and how this brand revolutionized streetwear and the world of sports.
Today, Nike is no longer confined to the basketball court or the athletics track. It's a cult brand that influences fashion, culture and vintage trends. So, are you ready to dive into the history of Nike and its empire?
1. The origins of Nike: who created the Nike brand?
TheNike story begins long before the brand became a global giant. It all began in the 60s. Phil Knight, a young athlete with a passion for running, and Bill Bowerman, his coach, decided to shake up the sports shoe industry.
Their company was originally called Blue Ribbon Sports (BRS). Their idea? Import Japanese Onitsuka Tiger (now Asics) sneakers into the United States. But in 1971, they turned a corner and launched their own brand: Nike.
Why the name? It's inspired by Niké, the Greek goddess of victory. A perfect choice for a brand aimed at athletes. Theorigin of the Nike brand is linked to mythology, which symbolizes performance and success.
Nike 's first big success came with the Waffle Trainer. A revolutionary shoe with an innovative sole inspired by a waffle iron! From then on, Nike established itself as a major market player, ready to rival Adidas and Puma.
2. The birth of the Nike logo: Why the Nike comma?
It's impossible to talk about the history of Nike without mentioning its mythical emblem. The Nike swoosh logo. This simple yet powerful Nike symbol has become one of the world's most recognizable logos.
Where did it come from? In 1971, Phil Knight asked a design student, Carolyn Davidson, to create a logo for his brand. She imagined a shape inspired by movement and speed, meant to represent the wing of the goddess Niké.
The result was a sloping comma, nicknamed the swoosh logo. Knight wasn't convinced at the time, but adopted it anyway. Ironically, the Nike logo would become one of the most iconic in marketing history.
Over time, the Nike logo evolves. The early Nike logotipo also displayed the name "Nike" in italics. Later, the brand removed this text, keeping only the Nike comma, which has become synonymous with performance and style.
Today, the Nike sign is much more than just a logo. It's a symbol of success, worn by the greatest athletes and adored by vintage streetwear fans.
If you want to know even more about the Nike logo, read our article on the history of the Nike logo !
3. The rise of Nike: from start-up to global giant
In the 70s, Nike enjoyed its first major successes with innovative models. These included the Nike Cortez, a running shoe that quickly became cult status.
The Waffle Trainer, whose revolutionary sole changed the game. These models lay the foundations for Nike's DNA.Innovation, performance and style.
But it was in the 80s that everything changed. In 1984, Nike signed a contract with young basketball player Michael Jordan. The result? The birth of Air Jordan, a range that forever transformed the sneaker market. The brand went from being a simple sports equipment manufacturer to a veritable fashion phenomenon.
Nike is the king of high-impact marketing campaigns, such as the legendary "Just Do It" campaign in 1988. With partnerships with influential athletes and artists, Nike becomes a global success story. Its Nike swoosh logo swoosh logo made its mark everywhere: in sport, on the street, and even on haute couture catwalks.
Today, theevolution of the Nike logo illustrates its rise. From a simple Nike acronym, it has become an essential Nike symbol of streetwear and pop culture. Sneakers, sweatshirts, caps... Nike is everywhere, and its impact extends far beyond the world of sport.
4. Nike today: Who is Nike's CEO?
Today, Nike is led by John Donahoe (CEO since 2020), succeeding Mark Parker and founder Phil Knight. Under his leadership, the brand is focusing on digital innovation and sustainable development.
With the rise of e-commerce and second-hand, Nike is investing heavily in its online stores and SNKRS app. All this while developing eco-responsible initiatives such as the Nike Move to Zero range.
Another strong trend is the rise of the vintage market. Nike uses its old Nike logologo, retro reissues and its iconic history to appeal to collectors.
Clearly, even after more than 50 years of history, Nike continues to dominate. And the future promises even more surprises!
5. Where is Nike manufactured?
Nike is a global brand, and so is its production. Nike has no factories of its own. The brand works with factories in several countries, mainly in Asia. The main production centers are in Vietnam, China and Indonesia. This is where the majority of the brand's sneakers and clothing are made.
Why this distribution? Firstly, for reasons of production cost, but also to benefit from the know-how of local factories in the fields of textiles and technical footwear. Nike also invests heavily in research and development (R&D). The brand invests heavily in innovation, notably with eco-responsible materials, higher-performance soles and ever bolder designs.
As the market evolves and demand for more sustainable products grows, Nike is exploring new avenues. Nike recycles its own models and manufactures sneakers from reused materials. The Nike Move to Zero program is a good example, aimed at reducing the brand's carbon footprint.
6. Nike and vintage: the GoodSapes expert
Vintage Nike has a special aura. Why is that? Because models from the 80s, 90s and 2000s have left their mark on several generations. Oversized sweatshirts, tacks jackets and legendary sneakers such as Air Force 1s and Dunk have become collector's items.
At GoodSapes, we've selected the finest nuggets from Nike's history for fans of vintage streetwear. Embroidered Nike sweatshirts, graphic tees, Nike trackpants... Each piece has a soul, and that's the magic of vintage.
Want a unique, authentic and eco-responsible look? Come and discover our Nike Vintage collection and give a second life to iconic pieces!
👉 Visit GoodSapes to shop your vintage Nike style.
Conclusion
Nike has come a long way since it was founded. From a small distribution company, it has become a cult brand that dominates the world of sports and streetwear. Its Nike swoosh logo, collaboration with Michael Jordan and influence on pop culture make it a timeless symbol.
Today, Nike continues to innovate and adapt to new trends. Its impact extends far beyond sport: it's a brand that defines style and inspires millions of enthusiasts around the world.
If you too would like to wear a piece of this Nike logo history, discover our selection vintage Nike selection on GoodSapes!
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