Nike shoes are named for Nike, the Greek goddess of victory. The logo, known as the "Swoosh" mark, is put on everything Nike makes--shoes, equipment and apparel. Since the early 1970s to the present day, the name Nike is synonymous with high quality athletic footwear.
1964 to 1971
Bill Bowerman and Phil Knight formed Blue Ribbon Sports, later called BRS Inc., in 1967. In 1971, their first product was a soccer cleat called the Nike.
1972 to 1980
Nike "moon shoes" were created in 1972, featuring the "waffle sole." They became popular with professional athletes. In 1977, the Nike "air sole" was created. Nike Air cushioning was featured in stores in 1979. Nike went public in 1980.
1984 to 1987
Basketball star Michael Jordan signed an endorsement deal with Nike in 1984. In 1985, his shoe, the "Air Jordan," was released, and profits from its sales exceeded a billion dollars by 1986. Nike expanded into sports apparel in 1987.
1988 to 1996
The Nike slogan, "Just Do It" was created in 1988. A store called NikeTown opened in Oregon in 1990. Golf star Tiger Woods signed an endorsement contract with Nike in 1996.
1999 to 2003
Bill Bowerman died in 1999. In 2003, Nike bought out Converse for over $300 million.
2004 to Present
Phil Knight retired as CEO/President in 2004. William Perez succeeded Knight, but resigned in 2006. The current (2009) CEO is Mark Parker. The company has recently seen an upswing in online sales (see Resources).
