1. 🏃 Born as Blue Ribbon Sports
Before becoming Nike in 1971, the company was called Blue Ribbon Sports. It started as a small distributor selling Japanese Onitsuka Tiger shoes from the trunk of a car.
2. ✅ The Swoosh Cost Just $35
The iconic swoosh was designed by Carolyn Davidson, a graphic design student at Portland State University, for just $35. Years later, she received stock that’s now worth millions.
3. 🧇 Waffle Iron Innovation
Co-founder Bill Bowerman poured rubber into his wife’s waffle iron, creating a sole that was lightweight yet had great grip. This “waffle sole” changed running shoes forever.
4. ✨ Greek Goddess Inspiration
The brand’s name comes from Nike, the Greek goddess of victory — symbolizing speed, triumph, and athletic excellence.
5. 🎵 “Just Do It” Has a Dark Origin
Nike’s famous slogan was inspired by the last words of convicted murderer Gary Gilmore (“Let’s do it”). The ad team tweaked it into the motivational phrase we know today.
6. 👨🚀 From Track to Space
In 1984, Nike designed a special pair of athletic shoes for astronauts to use inside the space shuttle, proving the brand’s reach even beyond Earth.
7. 🏀 Air Jordans Changed Everything
When Nike signed rookie Michael Jordan in 1984, they projected modest sales. Instead, Air Jordans created a sneaker revolution — and today, the line generates billions yearly.
8. 🌍 Sustainable Steps
Nike’s “Move to Zero” campaign aims for zero carbon and zero waste, including products made with recycled materials like plastic bottles and old sneakers.
9. 🏆 Beyond Sports
Nike’s influence stretches into music, streetwear, and even art. Collaborations with artists and designers (like Virgil Abloh and Travis Scott) turn sneakers into collector’s items.
10. 🏅 A Global Empire That Started Small
From selling track shoes out of a car at local meets, Nike grew into a brand recognized in nearly every country — showing that a simple idea can run a very long way.