The History of Nike: From Track Shoes to Global Sneaker Empire

Before the hype. Before the Swoosh. Before the Jordans, the Dunks, the Tech Fleece fits and resale heat — there was just an idea.

Nike didn’t start as a global fashion icon. It began as a humble running shoe brand born on a track in Oregon. And today, it’s one of the most powerful forces in sneakers, sportswear, and street culture.

Whether you’re collecting, reselling, or rocking your grails, understanding Nike’s history gives every pair of kicks a deeper story. Here’s a closer look at how Nike became the name in global fashion and athletic performance.

🏃 The Origins: Blue Ribbon Sports (1964)

Before it was Nike, it was Blue Ribbon Sports, founded in 1964 by Phil Knight, a former runner at the University of Oregon, and his coach, Bill Bowerman.

The company began by importing running shoes from a little-known Japanese brand called Onitsuka Tiger (now known as ASICS). Knight handled business. Bowerman tinkered with shoe designs — even famously experimenting with a waffle iron to create grippy soles.

Their goal? Revolutionize athletic footwear for American runners.

👟 The Birth of Nike (1971)

In 1971, Knight and Bowerman parted ways with Onitsuka Tiger and launched their own brand: Nike, named after the Greek goddess of victory.

That same year, a graphic design student named Carolyn Davidson created the now-iconic Nike Swoosh logo for just $35. The logo was meant to suggest speed, motion, and forward momentum.

Their first original shoe, the Nike Cortez, debuted in 1972 — and quickly became a favorite on tracks and sidewalks across America.

🏀 Enter Air: The Jordan Era Begins (1985)

Nike made a bold move in 1985 by signing a rookie basketball player named Michael Jordan to an endorsement deal. What followed was history in the making.

The launch of the Air Jordan 1 changed everything — not just for Nike, but for sneaker culture worldwide.

• The bold colors broke NBA uniform rules

• The controversy drove hype

• The design, tech, and branding set a new standard

Nike had just sparked the birth of sneakerhead culture.

💨 Innovation, Tech & Culture (1990s–2000s)

Throughout the ‘90s and early 2000s, Nike kept pushing boundaries with both innovation and style:

• Air Max 1 (1987): Introduced visible Air cushioning

• Nike SB Dunks (2002): Skateboarding shoes turned fashion staples

• Nike Shox, Air Presto, and Flyknit: Merging performance and design

• Collaborations with artists, athletes, and designers elevated Nike into the world of streetwear and fashion

During this time, Nike also bought brands like Converse and Hurley, further expanding its global reach.

🔥 Resale, Collabs & Hype: Nike in the 2010s–2020s

Nike mastered the art of limited drops and cultural relevance.

Key moments:

• Off-White x Nike “The Ten” (2017) by Virgil Abloh reshaped modern sneaker collabs

• Travis Scott x Nike introduced hype to new audiences

• SNKRS App changed how sneakerheads cop releases

• Dunks and Air Jordan 1s surged back into the spotlight

Nike wasn’t just a brand — it became a currency in the resale world.

📈 Nike Today: Innovation Meets Hype Culture

As of 2025, Nike continues to dominate both performance and lifestyle categories:

• They’re pushing sustainability with Nike Move to Zero

• Their athlete roster remains untouchable (LeBron, Serena, Mbappé, etc.)

• They continue to drive resale markets on platforms like Lucraviax

• And they’re expanding into digital and virtual wearables

Whether you're buying to flip, to flex, or to perform, Nike remains the most influential brand in the game.