50 Fun Facts About Nike That You Probably Didn’t Know

Nike stands as one of the leading global brands of athletic apparel and shoes, yet numerous aspects about the company remain unfamiliar to the general public. While a substantial portion of Western society possesses at least one Nike product, there exist intriguing details that are not widely recognized. Here’s a condensed list of interesting facts about Nike:

1)      Nike was originally founded as Blue Ribbon Sports in 1964.

2)      The company officially became Nike, Inc. in 1971.

3)     The iconic Nike "Swoosh" logo was designed by Carolyn Davidson in 1971.

4)     The famous "Just Do It" slogan was introduced in 1988.

5)     Phil Knight, one of the co-founders, was a track athlete at the University of Oregon under coach Bill Bowerman.

6)     Bill Bowerman, the other co-founder, was a track and field coach who experimented with shoe designs.

7)     The first Nike shoes were made using a waffle iron to create the sole's tread pattern.

8)     Nike's headquarters are located near Beaverton, Oregon.

9)     The company's revenue for the fiscal year 2021 exceeded $44 billion.

10)   Nike is the world's largest supplier of athletic shoes and apparel.

11)   Nike sponsors numerous high-profile athletes, including Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Cristiano Ronaldo.

12)   The Air Jordan line of basketball shoes, associated with Michael Jordan, is one of Nike's most successful product lines.

13)   Nike owns and operates the Jordan Brand subsidiary, focusing on basketball-related products.

14)   Nike acquired Converse, the iconic sneaker brand, in 2003.

15)   Nike is involved in various sports, including running, basketball, soccer, and golf.

16)   The company's first employee, Jeff Johnson, came up with the name "Nike" after the Greek goddess of victory.

17)   Nike's first official employee, Jeff Johnson, also came up with the famous Swoosh name.

18)   Nike's first shoe with the Swoosh logo was the "Nike Cortez."

19)   The Air Max series, introduced in 1987, featured visible air-cushioning technology.

20)   Nike's annual Air Max Day celebrates the introduction of the Air Max shoes.

21)   The "Bo Knows" advertising campaign in the late 1980s featured athlete Bo Jackson.

22)   The Nike SB (Skateboarding) line gained popularity in the early 2000s.

23)   Nike's Flyknit technology, introduced in 2012, focuses on lightweight and supportive footwear.

24)   The company has faced criticism for labor practices in overseas factories.

25)   Nike's European headquarters are located in the Netherlands.

26)   Nike sponsors the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic teams.

27)   The company has a digital fitness platform called Nike Training Club.

28)   The Nike Mag, featured in the movie "Back to the Future II," is a self-lacing shoe.

29)   Nike's philanthropic initiatives include the Nike Community Impact Fund.

30)   The Nike swoosh logo is one of the most recognizable logos globally.

31)   Nike is a component of major stock market indices, including the Dow Jones Industrial Average.

32)   The company faced controversy over its endorsement deal with controversial athletes like Colin Kaepernick.

33)   Nike is known for limited-edition releases and collaborations with designers and celebrities.

34)   The Nike FuelBand was an early attempt at a fitness tracker, discontinued in 2014.

35)   Nike's first basketball shoe, the Blazer, was released in 1972.

36)   Nike has a strong presence in the soccer world, sponsoring teams and producing iconic cleats.

37)   The Nike Air Force 1, introduced in 1982, is one of the brand's most enduring and popular shoes.

38)   Nike's "Grind" program recycles materials to create sustainable products.

39)   The company has a significant focus on environmental sustainability and reducing its carbon footprint.

40)   Nike's SNKRS app provides a platform for exclusive sneaker releases.

41)   Nike has been involved in several legal battles to protect its trademarks and intellectual property.

42)   The company faced scrutiny for its support of the Chinese market amidst human rights concerns.

43)   Nike's skateboarding division, Nike SB, has collaborated with notable skate brands and artists.

44)   The Nike Pegasus running shoe line has been a consistent favorite among runners since its debut in 1983.

45)   Nike has a history of collaborating with fashion designers, including Virgil Abloh and Comme des Garçons.

46)   Nike's golf division produces equipment and apparel, with notable endorsements from top golfers.

47)   The Nike Air Huarache, introduced in 1991, is known for its distinctive neoprene inner sleeve.

48)   Nike sponsors the NBA and provides uniforms for several teams.

49)   The company has a strong presence in the esports industry, sponsoring teams and events.

50)   Nike's corporate responsibility efforts include diversity and inclusion initiatives.

Keep in mind that this information is accurate as of our last knowledge update in January 2022, and there may have been developments or changes since then.