History of Nike

Origins of Nike

Jan 25, 1964

University of Oregon track coach Bill Bowerman and Phil Knight formed Blue Ribbon Sports which began distributing Japanese running shoes which went on to be later known as ASICS.

Nike Brand is Born

May 30, 1971

New Full-Time sales person, Jeff Johnson, came up with the name "nike" while dreaming about the Greek goddess of victory with the same name.

Waffle Traction Pattern Introduced

Jun 29, 1972

The company introduced Nike "Moon Shoes" with the Waffle sole for athletes competing at the U.S. Olympic Trials in Eugene, Oregon in 1972.

Nike Goes Public

Dec 2, 1980

Michael Jordan Signs with Nike- Jordan Brand is Formed

Apr 15, 1984

"Just Do It" Slogan Introduced

Aug 8, 1988

This well known slogan drerw inspiration from Gary Gilmore's last words.

Niketown Grand Opening

Nov 10, 1990

The first Niketown stored opened in Portland, Oregon

Tiger Woods Joins Nike Family

Jul 18, 1996

Tiger Woods gives up his amatuer golfing status and signs a deal with Nike worth $40 million.

Bill Bowerman Dies

Dec 24, 1999

Co-founder of Nike, Bill Bowerman, dies at the age of 88.

Debut of Nike SB

Nov 5, 2002

Nike's skateboard line "Nike SB" makes its debut.

Lebron James Signs with Nike

May 15, 2003

Flywire and Lunarlon Technology Introduced

Apr 17, 2008

Revolutionary shope technologies Flywire and Lunar midsoles are beginning to be included in performance shoes.

Flyknit Technology Introduced

Feb 22, 2012

Nike Becomes the Official Sponsor of the NFL

Jul 20, 2012

Nike Launches Nike+ App

May 4, 2015