Nike is one of the most iconic and recognized sports brands in the world, famous for its slogan “Just Do It” and the simple yet powerful “Swoosh” logo. Founded in 1964 as Blue Ribbon Sports and renamed Nike in 1971, the company revolutionized the sports footwear and apparel market, transforming sports and fashion culture. Nike’s history is full of innovations, amazing collaborations, and fascinating facts that few people know. For example, the name “Nike” is inspired by the Greek goddess of victory, and the famous “Swoosh” logo was created by a design student who was paid only $35 at the time.
Additionally, the company has stood out for its marketing efforts, collaborating with legendary athletes such as Michael Jordan and Serena Williams.
Let’s explore some interesting facts about Nike that show how it became a global giant in the sports goods industry.
1 – IT WAS FOUNDED BY AN ATHLETE
Nike was founded in 1964 by athlete Phil Knight and his coach, Bill Bowerman, with the goal of creating lighter and more comfortable shoes for athletes. The first store opened in Santa Monica, two years later.
2 – THE ORIGIN OF THE NAME
The name “Nike” emerged in 1971, when the company, then called Blue Ribbon Sports, decided to change its identity to something that better reflected its ambition in the sports world. The inspiration came from Greek mythology: Nike is the goddess who embodies victory, representing success and achievement—concepts the brand wanted to associate with its products.
The idea of adopting this name was suggested by Jeff Johnson, one of the company’s first employees. He had the suggestion in a dream, shortly before Phil Knight, one of the founders, registered the trademark. Initially, Knight thought of naming the company “Dimension Six”, but he was convinced that “Nike” was more appropriate.
Thus, the company became known by this name, which today is synonymous with performance and innovation in the sports world.
3 – THE LOGO
The famous Nike symbol, known as the “Swoosh”, was created in 1971 by young graphic designer Carolyn Davidson. At the time, she was a student at Portland State University in the United States and was hired by Phil Knight, Nike’s co-founder, to create a logo for the new sports footwear brand.
Carolyn presented several design options, and the “Swoosh” was chosen for its simplicity and for conveying a sense of movement and speed, qualities desired for a sports brand. The symbol was inspired by the wings of the Greek goddess of victory, Nike, representing agility and dynamism.
Although today it is one of the most recognized logos in the world, Carolyn Davidson was initially paid only US$35 for the design. Years later, in recognition of the impact of her work, she received a gold ring and an envelope with Nike stock as a token of appreciation.
4 – THE ORIGIN OF THE ICONIC SLOGAN
Nike’s iconic slogan, “Just Do It”, was created in 1988 and is considered one of the most successful slogans in advertising history. The phrase was conceived by Dan Wieden, co-founder of the advertising agency Wieden+Kennedy, who was working on a campaign for Nike that would convey a message of motivation and determination to the public. Interestingly, the inspiration for the slogan came from an unexpected source: the last words of Gary Gilmore, a convicted murderer in Utah, USA. Before being executed in 1977, Gilmore reportedly said “Let’s do it”.
Dan Wieden adapted the phrase to “Just Do It”, feeling that it perfectly captured the essence of overcoming obstacles, courage, and initiative that Nike wanted to associate with its products. Launched in a series of ads featuring top athletes, the slogan quickly gained popularity and became synonymous with the brand, symbolizing a “make it happen” attitude regardless of obstacles.
Since then, “Just Do It” has been Nike’s motto, inspiring millions of people around the world.
5 – PARTNERSHIP
Initially, the company did not produce its own footwear but distributed shoes from Onitsuka Tiger, a Japanese brand. Phil Knight sold these shoes directly from the trunk of his car in the United States.
6 – A HISTORIC FAILURE
Nike’s first failure occurred with the launch of its first shoe, called “The Nike”, in 1971. This model cost US$16.95 and was manufactured in the hot climate of New Mexico. Although the shoe seemed promising at first, it was not tested in varying climatic conditions, particularly in cold and damp environments.
As a result, when athletes began wearing “The Nike” during the winter, the sole material had a major issue: it cracked in low temperatures. The failure was a significant setback for the newly established brand, which was trying to establish itself in the sports footwear market.
In response to this failure, Nike quickly withdrew the model from circulation and learned a valuable lesson about the importance of testing products in different conditions. The experience helped the company evolve and invest in research and development, leading to more successful and innovative future releases.
7 – CREATING A MODEL WITHOUT AUTHORIZATION
The Huarache model, initially considered “strange”, was produced because a Nike manager, Tom Hartge, decided to manufacture 5,000 pairs without authorization. The sales success at the New York Marathon proved he was right.
8 – A WAFFLE-INSPIRED SHOE
Nike’s first running shoe was created in 1970, inspired by a waffle, when co-founder Bill Bowerman had the idea during breakfast.
9 – THE BEATLES CONTROVERSY
Nike’s relationship with The Beatles began in 1987 when the sports brand decided to use the famous song “Revolution” by the band in an advertising campaign to promote the launch of the Air Max shoe. However, the use of the song caused a major controversy.
Apple Records, The Beatles’ label, along with the surviving members of the band, claimed that Nike used the song without permission. They argued that “Revolution” should not be used for commercial purposes and criticized the brand for turning such an iconic song into a mere advertising jingle.
Although Nike claimed to have obtained the rights to the song through an agreement with EMI, which controlled The Beatles’ music catalog at the time, the controversy was resolved after Nike agreed not to use The Beatles’ music in future campaigns.
10 – THE “BACK TO THE FUTURE”
SHOE The Nike Mag, a futuristic shoe inspired by the film “Back to the Future II”, was created by Tinker Hatfield in 1989. It became an icon, especially with its new version released in 2015.
11 – THE ICONIC “SPACE JAM” FILM
Nike made a significant mark on pop culture with its collaboration on the film “Space Jam: A New Legacy,” released in 1996. The film, starring Michael Jordan and animated characters from the Looney Tunes, is a blend of live-action and animation that has become a cult classic.
To promote the film and capitalize on Michael Jordan’s popularity, Nike launched a special line of footwear and apparel associated with “Space Jam”.
The highlight was the Air Jordan 11 sneaker, which became iconic and is often remembered as one of the most sought-after models by collectors and basketball fans. The collaboration between Nike and “Space Jam” not only helped boost Air Jordan 11 sales but also solidified the connection between basketball and entertainment, creating a lasting bond between the brand and the film.
12 – SPACE TECHNOLOGY
Frank Rudy, an aerospace engineer who left his career at NASA to become an independent inventor, discovered that the work he was doing for NASA could also have practical uses on the ground.
He was able to encapsulate dense gases in rubber membranes, creating a gas or pouch that we now call “AIR”.
The rubber molding processes he and his NASA colleagues were working on allowed for the creation of a cushioned midsole to fit the famous airbag found in the Air Max 1.
Nike, with its iconic “swoosh” and “Just Do It” slogan, is not only a giant in the sports industry but also a brand that has transcended market boundaries. From its humble beginnings as Blue Ribbon Sports to becoming a global symbol of innovation and style, Nike continues to impress with its ability to reinvent and lead.
The company has not only revolutionized sneaker design but also set standards in marketing and sports sponsorship, influencing generations of athletes and consumers. In addition to its high-performance products, Nike invests in sustainable technology and ethical practices, reinforcing its commitment to a greener future.
The brand is a true cultural force, connecting sports, fashion, and lifestyle, and its impact is felt worldwide, from playing fields to city streets.