Many people know Nike for its iconic Swoosh logo and world-class sneakers,
but fewer know who actually created Nike and how the brand began.
This article breaks it down in simple terms, from the founders’ first steps to Nike’s global impact.
Table of Contents
- Early Beginnings as Blue Ribbon Sports
- The Founders: Phil Knight and Bill Bowerman
- From Blue Ribbon Sports to Nike
- The Birth of the Iconic Swoosh Logo
- How Nike Grew into a Global Brand
- Comparison: Nike vs Other Sportswear Giants
- FAQ
- Conclusion
Early Beginnings as Blue Ribbon Sports
Nike started in 1964 as Blue Ribbon Sports (BRS),
a small business importing high-quality running shoes from Japan (Onitsuka Tiger).
The goal: bring better running shoes to American athletes.
Key moments:
- 1964: Company founded in Eugene, Oregon, USA.
- Focused on selling shoes out of car trunks at track meets.
The Founders: Phil Knight and Bill Bowerman
Nike was co-created by Phil Knight and Bill Bowerman.
| Founder | Role |
|---|---|
| Phil Knight | A Stanford business graduate with a vision to import and later design better shoes |
| Bill Bowerman | University of Oregon track coach known for experimenting with lighter running shoe designs |
Their partnership combined business insight and athletic innovation.
From Blue Ribbon Sports to Nike
By 1971, BRS ended its partnership with Onitsuka Tiger and launched its own brand.
The name Nike, inspired by the Greek goddess of victory, was suggested by employee Jeff Johnson.
This was the official birth of Nike as a global sportswear brand.
The Birth of the Iconic Swoosh Logo
The famous Swoosh logo was designed in 1971 by graphic design student Carolyn Davidson.
- Cost of the design: $35 at the time.
- Symbolism: motion, speed, and the wing of Nike, the goddess of victory.
Today, the Swoosh is one of the most recognized logos worldwide.
How Nike Grew into a Global Brand
Key milestones that turned Nike into a household name:
- 1972: Nike’s first track shoes debut at the U.S. Olympic Trials.
- 1984: Partnership with Michael Jordan launches the Air Jordan line.
- 1990s–2000s: Global expansion into basketball, soccer, and lifestyle fashion.
- Continuous innovation in technology (Air, Flyknit, React).
👉 Explore more on Nike’s official site.
Comparison: Nike vs Other Sportswear Giants
| Brand | Founded | Headquarters | Signature Strength |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nike | 1971 | Beaverton, Oregon | Innovation, marketing power |
| Adidas | 1949 | Herzogenaurach, Germany | Soccer & global collaborations |
| Puma | 1948 | Herzogenaurach, Germany | Lifestyle & motorsport style |
| Under Armour | 1996 | Baltimore, USA | Performance athletic gear |
Nike’s early marketing and athlete endorsements helped it outpace older competitors.
FAQ
Q1: Who created Nike?
👉 Phil Knight and Bill Bowerman in 1964 (as Blue Ribbon Sports).
Q2: When was the name “Nike” first used?
👉 In 1971, inspired by the Greek goddess of victory.
Q3: Who designed the Swoosh logo?
👉 Graphic designer Carolyn Davidson for $35.
Q4: Is Nike still American-owned?
👉 Yes. Nike, Inc. remains headquartered in Beaverton, Oregon.
Conclusion
Nike’s story began with two visionaries,
Phil Knight and Bill Bowerman, aiming to give athletes better shoes.
From a small startup in Oregon to a global powerhouse,
Nike’s success is rooted in innovation, marketing, and iconic design.
Knowing who created Nike is more than trivia—it shows how passion and smart strategy built a global brand.
