Introducing Nike
Nike’s journey to becoming a global icon in athletic footwear began in 1964, when Bill Bowerman and Phil Knight founded the company as Blue Ribbon Sports. Initially a distributor for Onitsuka Tiger, the brand rebranded as Nike and its first original sneaker, the Cortez, set the tone for decades of innovation.
A major turning point came in 1978 with the launch of the Air Tailwind, showcasing Nike’s groundbreaking air cushioning technology. This innovation laid the foundation for the legendary Air Max line, beginning with the Air Max 1 in 1987. Designed by Tinker Hatfield, its visible Air unit revolutionised sneaker aesthetics and engineering.
Nike’s dominance through the 1980s and ’90s was powered by relentless innovation and cultural impact, bolstered by iconic partnerships with athletes like Michael Jordan, Serena Williams, and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Today, Nike remains at the forefront of sport and style, blending cutting-edge performance tech with timeless design and deep cultural influence.