• Company Name: Nike, Inc.
• Founded: 25 January 1964 (as Blue Ribbon Sports)
• Renamed: Nike, Inc. in 1971
• Founders: Phil Knight and Bill Bowerman
• Headquarters: Beaverton, United States
• Industry: Sportswear, Footwear, Apparel, Equipment
• Type: Public Company
• Products: Athletic shoes, clothing, sports equipment, accessories, and digital fitness services
• Brands Owned: Nike, Jordan Brand, Converse
• Area Served: Worldwide
• Official Slogan: Just Do It.
• Mission: “To bring inspiration and innovation to every athlete in the world. (If you have a body, you are an athlete.)”2

Nike was established in 1964 as Blue Ribbon Sports (BRS), founded by Phil Knight and his former track coach, Bill Bowerman. The business initially imported and sold running shoes manufactured by the Japanese company Onitsuka Tiger (now ASICS). As the company expanded, Knight and Bowerman decided to create their own footwear brand. In 1971, they introduced the name Nike, inspired by the Greek goddess of victory.

The Swoosh logo was created in 1971 by graphic design student Carolyn Davidson for US$35. It has since become one of the most recognisable logos globally. Nike experienced rapid growth throughout the 1970s and 1980s, driven by innovative running shoe technology and successful athlete endorsements.2

The name Nike is derived from the Greek goddess of victory, symbolising speed, achievement, strength, and success. The Swoosh logo represents motion, speed, and the wing of the goddess Nike.

Nike offers products across multiple categories:1

Footwear

• Running Shoes
• Basketball Shoes
• Football Boots
• Tennis Shoes
• Training Shoes
• Lifestyle Sneakers
• Skateboarding Shoes

Apparel

• T-shirts
• Hoodies
• Jackets
• Shorts
• Leggings
• Sports Bras
• Jerseys
• Socks

Equipment

• Backpacks
• Balls
• Gloves
• Water Bottles
• Gym Accessories

Digital Services

• Nike App
• Nike Run Club
• Nike Training Club

Nike owns several prominent brands that target distinct sports, fashion, and lifestyle markets:2

• Nike
• Jordan Brand
• Converse

Nike is considered one of the world’s strongest marketing brands due to its strategic focus on athlete endorsements, inspirational storytelling, premium product design, and innovation. The company utilises emotional advertising, social media marketing, and sponsorships of major sporting events to maintain market leadership. Rather than simply promoting products, Nike’s marketing frequently emphasises determination, perseverance, and achievement.

Introduced in 1988, the slogan “Just Do It.” has become one of the most recognisable advertising taglines in history. It encourages individuals to pursue their goals regardless of obstacles.

Nike has partnered with numerous high-profile athletes, including Michael Jordan, Cristiano Ronaldo, LeBron James, Serena Williams, Tiger Woods, Kylian Mbappé, and Erling Haaland. These partnerships have played a significant role in building Nike’s global brand presence.2

Nike invests heavily in research and development to enhance athletic performance. Notable innovations include Nike Air cushioning, Flyknit technology, React foam, Zoom Air, Vaporfly racing shoes, and self-lacing Adapt shoes. The company operates advanced research facilities dedicated to athlete performance and product development.2

Nike products are available in nearly every country through a combination of Nike retail stores, factory stores, online platforms, wholesale partners, and authorised retailers. The company serves millions of customers worldwide via both physical and digital channels.1

Nike has expanded efforts to reduce its environmental impact through various initiatives. These include increasing the use of recycled materials in products, reducing carbon emissions, improving supply chain practices, and designing products with sustainability in mind. Such initiatives form part of the company’s broader environmental and social responsibility programmes.2

• Nike began by selling shoes from the boot of Phil Knight’s car.
• The original Swoosh logo cost just US$35.
• The company is named after the Greek goddess of victory.
• The Air Jordan line became one of the most successful sportswear brands in history.
• Nike is widely regarded as one of the largest athletic footwear and apparel companies in the world.1

Nike has evolved from a small shoe distributor into a global leader in sportswear. Its emphasis on innovation, athlete partnerships, and memorable branding has established it as one of the world’s most recognisable companies. Beyond sports, Nike has exerted a lasting influence on fashion, popular culture, and the design and marketing of athletic performance products.1

1. nke-20260531
2. Explore Nike’s Purpose and Read Our Mission Statement — NIKE, Inc.