Iconic Shoes
Over the years Nike have invented several game-changing shoe silhouettes like the Air Max 1, the Nike Blazer, the Nike Dunk and the Air Max 90. They have also greatly influenced the world of streetwear apparel with their infamous Windrunner jacket and the AW 77 hoody.

Brand History
Nike was founded in January 1964 by  Bill Bowerman and Philip Knight and was originally called 'Blue Ribbon Sports'. Knight was a track athlete who ran for the University of Oregon and Bowerman was his coach. The name 'Nike', which was officially adopted by the company in 1978, was the name of the goddess of victory in Greek mythology.

Small Beginnings
Initially the company operated as a distributor for Japanese shoe company 'Onitsuka Tiger' and most sales were made at University track meets from the boot of Knights car.

The company did well and in 1966 was able to open its first retail store in Santa Monica, California. Their relationship with Onitsuka Tiger came to an end a few years later and they prepared to launch their own line of footwear.

Swoosh
The company needed a marking/logo to be applied to their new shoes to make them recognisable and therefore promote the new brand. Knight turned to a graphic design student called Carolyn Davidson who he had met at Portland State University. He employed her at $2 per hour to supply some ideas. Knight and some other executives chose the mark now known as the Swoosh, although they were not blown away by the design. Knight is reported to have said to Davidson: "I don't love it, but I think it will grow on me."

The First Shoe
The first shoe that was sold to the public was a soccer shoe known as the Nike that was released in 1971. The following year an entire line of shoes were released under the same name and in 1978 BRS remamed itself Nike.