History
The Nike brand began in 1964 as Blue Ribbon Sports (BRS) , founded by Bill Bowerman , a track and field coach at the University of Oregon, and Phil Knight , a former runner and business student.
In its early days, the company imported and distributed Japanese Onitsuka Tiger running shoes in the United States. Soon, Bowerman, passionate about innovation, began experimenting with new designs to improve runners' performance. In 1971 , the brand officially adopted the name Nike , inspired by the Greek goddess of victory, and unveiled its famous logo, the Swoosh , designed by design student Carolyn Davidson.
That same year, Nike launched its first shoe model, the Nike Cortez , which quickly became a success. Thanks to its commitment to innovation and strategic partnerships with athletes, Nike established itself as a global reference in the world of sports and running.
Products
Since its inception, Nike has revolutionized the world of running with iconic models that combine innovation and performance. The Nike Cortez , launched in 1972 , made history as the brand's first running shoe, offering improved cushioning and great lightness.
In the 80s, the Nike Air Pegasus became a benchmark for runners thanks to its comfort and versatility, remaining a mainstay of the range to this day. With the arrival of advanced technologies, Nike introduced the Zoom Vaporfly 4% in 2017 , which revolutionized the marathon by integrating a carbon fiber plate and ZoomX foam, optimizing energy return. This model paved the way for the Nike Alphafly Next% , worn by Eliud Kipchoge during his sub-two-hour marathon in 2019.
For trail running, the Nike Terra Kiger and Nike Wildhorse have become staples for runners looking for grip and stability on uneven terrain. With these models, Nike continues to innovate to push the boundaries of running performance.
Technologies
Nike is at the forefront of innovation in running technology, incorporating advances that optimize performance, comfort and cushioning. One of the most revolutionary is the aerospace-derived ZoomX foam , which offers exceptional energy return and equips models like the Vaporfly and Alphafly .
The brand also introduced the carbon fiber plate , present in its racing shoes, which improves propulsion and stride efficiency. For responsive cushioning, Nike Air Zoom technology, using pressurized air units, ensures a good balance between comfort and dynamism.
On trail models, the Nike React sole combines lightness and durability, while Flyknit technology offers a tight and breathable mesh, providing optimal support for the foot. Finally, Nike explores the future with innovations like the more durable and eco-responsible ReactX foam, continuing its commitment to pushing the limits of performance while reducing its environmental impact.
Logo
The Nike logo, known as the Swoosh , is one of the most recognizable symbols in the world. Designed in 1971 by Carolyn Davidson , a graphic design student, the Swoosh represented movement and speed, in reference to the Greek goddess of victory, Nike .
In its early days, the logo was accompanied by the name "Nike" in bold, capital letters. In the 1980s , with the rise of the brand and its association with famous athletes such as Michael Jordan , the Swoosh became more streamlined and identifiable on its own, without the brand name. This simplification was reinforced in the 1990s , when the Swoosh often appeared alone on products and marketing campaigns, asserting Nike's visual identity.
Today, this minimalist logo is a universal symbol of performance, innovation and sporting excellence, consolidating Nike's image as one of the most influential brands in the world of sport.
Athletes
Since its inception, Nike has collaborated with many world-renowned running athletes, strengthening its position as a leader in the running field. Iconic figures include Eliud Kipchoge , the Kenyan marathoner who, in 2019, became the first man to run a marathon in under two hours wearing Nike Vaporfly prototypes.
American sprinter Sha'Carri Richardson also made headlines by winning the 100m final at the 2023 World Athletics Championships wearing Nike Air Zoom Maxfly. Additionally, Norwegian athlete Jakob Ingebrigtsen has collaborated with Nike, particularly at international competitions where he has excelled in the middle distances. These partnerships demonstrate Nike's commitment to supporting elite athletes and developing innovative technologies to improve their performance.
