Nike, Inc. was founded January 25, 1964, originally named Blue Ribbon Sports. The co-founders William Jay “Bill” Bowerman (track and field coach) and Phillip Hampson “Phil” Knight (track athlete) officially became Nike, Inc May 30, 1971. The name Nike was taken from the ancient Greek goddess Nike.

LeBron James and Nike

The NEWEST building addition to the Nike World Headquarters, near Beaverton, Oregon is the LeBron James Building. The New Business is located on the North Campus on the Nike World Headquarters, it will house the Advanced Innovation Team, and a Sports Research Lab. LeBron James has been a Nike aathlete since 2003, the year he was drafted into the NBA as the NUMBER ONE PICK (from St. Mary Vincent High School Akron, Ohio)! LeBron James is the youngest player in NBA League history to score 30,000 points in a career. LeBron James is a 2 time Olympic Gold Medalist, 3 time NBA Champion, and 4 time NBA MVP. LeBron James was quoted… “it’s been an honor to be a part of such a great company for the last 18 years…”

Michael Jordan and Nike

The Michael Jordan shoe “Air Jordan” was first produced in 1984. Since then, the Brand has expanded into Athletic Wear, Casual Wear, and more! The original air Jordan Sneakers were produced exclusively for Michael Jordan in early 1984, and released to the the public in late 1984. The Jordan Brand currently sponsors NBA players like Chris Paul, Blake Griffin, Russell Westbrook, and Jimmy Butler. The expasion of the Jordan Brand has involvement in Major League Baseball, National Football League, NASCAR, WNBA, and even French Football!

Nike Cortez

The first Nike Track Shoe created in 1972 by Nike, the Nike Cortez. The Nike was designed by co-owner Bill Bowerman to create a comfortable and durable running shoe for distance training and road running. Over the years, Nike has redesigned the Nike Cortez many times. The original design material was leather, later nylon and suede were added, and those materials would prove to reduce the weight of the shoe. The foam on the Nike Cortez is designed to give comfort, absorb road shock, and provide other benefits like reducing leg fatigue.

Nike Skateboarding

Nike Skateboarding, better known as Nike SB has lines of shoes, clothing, and equipment gear for skateboarding. In 2004, Nike SB signed Paul Rodriguez an American professional Street Skateboarder and Actor from Tarzana, California. Nike SB creates videos, has collaborated with Levi’s, and even created a Private Training Facility in Downtown Los Angeles. Over the years, Nike SB has had a number of Special Edition Sneakers and continues to make an impact in the Shoe Industry and World of Skateboarding!

Future and Nike

The shoe featured in the movie “Back to the Future” was replicated by Nike as the Nike MAG. The shoe was created in a limited edition. The Nike MAG was originally introduced in 2011 (1,500 pairs) and released AGAIN in 2016 (89 pairs). This unique futuristic shoe has Light-Up Panels and SELF-FASTENING LACES! I would expect the future the continue with the Nike Space Shoe Division to soon EMERGE!