Nike

Nike began on January 25, 1964, as Blue Ribbon Sports. Phil Knight, a University of Oregon track athlete, and Bill Bowerman, his coach, founded the business. Blue Ribbon Sports started as a distributor for Onitsuka Tiger, a Japanese shoemaker, selling shoes in the United States. In 1971, Blue Ribbon Sports ended its partnership with Onitsuka Tiger and changed its name to Nike. The company adopted the name from the Greek goddess of victory. That same year, Nike introduced the "Swoosh" logo, which Carolyn Davidson designed while she was a student at Portland State University.

Nike manufactures its products through contracts with over 700 factories worldwide. Most of these factories are in Asia, with sites in China, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Thailand. Labor practices in some factories have led to public scrutiny and criticism. Nike has made changes to its manufacturing oversight, including steps to increase transparency and improve workplace conditions.

Nike has developed several proprietary materials and construction techniques. In 1979, Nike introduced the Nike Air system, placing pressurized air units in soles. Since 2008, Nike Air soles produced at company facilities in Oregon and Missouri have contained at least 25% recycled manufacturing waste. Nike launched Flyknit uppers in 2012. Flyknit uses high-strength fibers to create lightweight shoe uppers, with this process cutting waste by about 60% compared to traditional shoe making. In 2017, Nike launched Flyleather, a material that blends at least 50% recycled leather fibers with synthetic fibers.

Nike designs and markets footwear and apparel for a range of sports and activities. The Air Jordan line came out in 1985 in partnership with Michael Jordan. The Air Max series, introduced in 1987, is known for visible air cushioning units in the sole. Nike first released the Dunk as a basketball shoe in 1985. Over time, the Dunk has been popular among skateboarders and collectors. Nike acquired Converse in 2003; Converse is recognized for Chuck Taylor All Star sneakers, which have been sold since the early 20th century.