Nike is one of the most iconic and recognizable brands in the world. As a household name for decades, it’s hard to imagine a world without Nike. But when did it all start? What year did Nike come out? As it turns out, the answer might surprise you. In this article, we will take a look back at Nike’s humble beginnings and explore how it has grown into the powerhouse brand that it is today.
Nike was founded in 1964 by Phil Knight and Bill Bowerman. Initially, the company was a distributor of Japanese shoes, but it soon began designing and manufacturing its own, beginning with the iconic Cortez in 1972. The company rebranded itself as Nike in 1978, and the swoosh logo was adopted in 1971. Nike’s first “Just Do It” campaign was launched in 1988.
Nike: The History of an Iconic Brand
The iconic Nike swoosh has become a symbol of the world’s most recognizable brand. Founded in 1964, Nike has developed into the world’s largest supplier of athletic shoes and apparel. But what year did Nike come out?
The Birth of Nike
Nike was founded in 1964 by Bill Bowerman and Phil Knight. Originally called Blue Ribbon Sports (BRS), the two started out as a distributor of Japanese running shoes. In 1971, they changed their name to Nike, after the Greek goddess of victory.
Early Success of Nike
In the early 1970s, Nike began to develop its own line of footwear. In 1972, the company released its first ever shoe, the Nike Cortez. This shoe quickly became a best-seller, and Nike began to establish its place in the footwear industry.
The Growth of Nike
Throughout the 70s and 80s, Nike continued to grow and expand its product lineup. In 1984, the company released the Air Jordan sneaker, which became an instant classic. Nike also began to invest in advertising, sponsoring athletes and creating iconic campaigns.
Nike Today
Today, Nike is one of the most recognized brands in the world. The company continues to release new products and campaigns, and is one of the most valuable companies in the world. Nike is also a leader in sustainability, with initiatives such as its Reuse-A-Shoe program.
Conclusion
Nike has come a long way since its founding in 1964. In the decades since its launch, Nike has grown into a global powerhouse, with a presence in almost every corner of the world. Nike continues to be an iconic brand, and its future looks brighter than ever.
Few Frequently Asked Questions
What Year Did Nike Come Out?
Answer: Nike was founded in 1964 by Phil Knight and Bill Bowerman. The company was originally called Blue Ribbon Sports, and was established to distribute Japanese-made running shoes to the US market. The company changed its name to Nike in 1971, and has since become a global leader in the athletic footwear and apparel industry.
What Inspired the Name Nike?
Answer: The name “Nike” was inspired by the Greek goddess of victory, Nike. The name was proposed by one of the company’s first employees, Jeff Johnson. Johnson was the first employee hired by Phil Knight and Bill Bowerman, and was inspired by the name of the goddess of victory when he saw it in a book of Greek mythology.
What Was the First Product Nike Sold?
Answer: The first product Nike sold was a soccer cleat called the Nike Tiempo. In 1971, the company released the cleat as part of their first line of soccer shoes. The cleat was designed with a lightweight, yet durable leather upper and a full-length midsole cushioning system. The cleat was a success, and set the tone for Nike’s future product lines.
Who Was the First Professional Athlete to Wear Nike?
Answer: The first professional athlete to wear Nike was tennis player Ilie Nastase. Nastase was one of the top players in the world in the early 1970s, and was the first athlete to be sponsored by Nike. He wore the company’s first soccer cleat, the Nike Tiempo, during the 1971 French Open.
What Was the First Shoe Nike Released?
Answer: The first shoe Nike released was the Cortez, which was released in 1972. The shoe was designed by Nike co-founder Bill Bowerman and was inspired by the Aztec sandal. The Cortez was a lightweight running shoe with a leather upper, rubber outsole and EVA midsole cushioning. It was an instant hit with runners and quickly became one of Nike’s most popular shoes.
What Was the First Branding Initiative Nike Launched?
Answer: The first branding initiative Nike launched was the “Just Do It” campaign in 1988. The campaign was created by the ad agency Wieden+Kennedy, and featured the iconic slogan. The campaign was an instant success, and has since become one of the most recognizable slogans in the world. The “Just Do It” campaign was part of Nike’s strategy to shift the focus of their brand from a sports product to a lifestyle brand.
Nike has come a long way since its inception in 1964. Its iconic swoosh logo has become a global symbol of athleticism and style, making it one of the world’s most recognizable brands. Through its commitment to innovation, quality, and performance, Nike continues to be a leader in the athletic apparel industry and a pioneer in the development of new technologies. Nike’s success is an example of what can be achieved when you have a vision, a commitment to excellence, and the courage to take risks.
