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The Start of Nike
Nike, originally known as Blue Ribbon Sports (BRS) is founded by Phil Knight and Bill Bowerman, an Olympic running coach, in Oregon. -
The Waffle Racer
Experimenting by pouring rubber into his wife's waffle iron, Bowerman creates the first waffle sole; an innovation that changes running shoes forever. -
BRS to Nike
BRS changes its name to Nike, named after the Greek goddess of victory. The famous Swoosh logo - that will one day become one of the world's most valuable trademarks - is created by Carolyn Davidson. -
The "Cortez" is Released
The Nike Cortez is released during the Mexico Olympics, the culmination of Nike's track shoe development up to the time and the first to feature foam for cushioning. -
The "Moon Shoe" is Released
The first version of what would become the Waffle Racer, nicknamed the "Moon Shoe" is released with the first Swoosh logo. Pairs are handed out to athletes competing in US Olympic trials. -
The "Blazer" is Basketball Shoe Released
Nike launches the Blazer basketball shoe. The shoe is worn by NBA player George Gervin, known as “The Iceman” due to his talent for scoring ice cold dunks. The shoe puts the Nike brand into the consciousness of basketball fans for the first time. -
The "Air Force 1" is Released
The Air Force 1 is released and is the first basketball show to use air in the sole. Since first being reissued in 1986, there have been thousands or versions of the Air Force 1 in high and low tops and a wide range of colours and materials. -
The "Air Pegasus" is Released
The Air Pegasus is first launched as an accessible running shoe suitable for all runners. The Pegasus line continues to this day, with an annual update schedule. -
The "Air Jordan" is Released
The Air Jordan 1 is produced exclusively for Michael Jordan with the famous 'Jumpman' logo used for the first time. -
"Just Do It"
The very first campaign featuring the now iconic slogan “Just Do It” launches. The slogan was inspired by serial killer Gary Gilmore's last words “Let's do it” before he was executed by firing squad in 1977. -
Nike's First Retail Store Opens
Nike opens its first retail store in Downtown Portland, Oregon. -
Tiger Woods Sponsorship with Nike
US golfer Tiger Woods signs a sponsorship deal with Nike on turning pro that will see him promoting Nike equipment, apparel and releasing a signature golf clothing and footwear line. -
The Largest Nike Store in the World
NikeTown opens in London's Oxford Street and following redevelopment in later years becomes the largest Nike store in the world. -
NikeiD Launches
NikeiD launches and enables customers to purchase customised trainers by selecting individual colours and materials for various components of the shoes. -
Introduction of "Shox"
Nike introduces "Shox" shoe technology after 16 years of research. Using small rubber columns, Shox act like springs by absorbing impacts when running and returning the energy to the runner. -
Nike Buys Converse
Nike buys Converse for $309 million. Nike would later use some of its own technologies to create updated versions of the famous Converse All Star range of sneakers. -
Nike & Apple Team Up
Nike team up with Apple to launch Nike+ technology, allowing runners to track their distance, speed and time. Initially using an in-shoe sensor, Nike+ would later transform to an iPhone GPS app. -
The "Nike Mag" is Released
Nike announces a limited number of reproductions of the self lacing Nike Mag shoe, first seen in the movie Back To The Future Part II in 1989, auctioned in collaboration with the Michael J. Fox Foundation.