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10 fun and interesting facts about Nike

Find out what the most recognizable brand in the world is all about. Here are some fun facts!

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Learn more about one of the most iconic brands in history!

Nike is a big brand – find out 10 facts about it. Source: Adobe Stock.

Nike is one of the most recognizable brands in the world. Bill Bowerman and Phil Knight founded it in 1964 as Blue Ribbon Sports.  This post will bring you fun and interesting facts about Nike.

The company initially operated as a distributor for Japanese shoe maker Onitsuka Tiger but soon began producing its footwear. In 1971, the company formally changed its name to Nike, after the Greek goddess of victory. 

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Today, Nike is one of the most recognizable brands in the world, with a strong presence in both the athletic and fashion worlds. 

Nike is one of the most popular brands in the world, and it has a long and interesting history. If you want more fun and interesting facts about Nike, keep reading.

How much do you know about this famous brand?

Nike is one of the most famous and successful brands in the world. It is known for its high-quality, stylish products that people of all ages enjoy.

But how much do you know about Nike? Here are ten fun and interesting facts about Nike. Enjoy!

1. The swoosh logo

Nike’s iconic “swoosh” logo is one of the most recognizable logos in the world. But did you know that a college student designed the logo for just $35? 

Carolyn Davidson was a graphic design student at Portland State University when Nike co-founder Phil Knight approached her to create a logo for the fledgling company. 

She came up with the now-famous swoosh after Knight told her he wanted something “that suggests motion.” The rest, as they say, is history.

2. “Just do it” slogan

nike just do it
The famous “Just do it” slogan. Source: Adobe Stock.

The Nike “Just Do It” slogan was created in 1988 at an advertising agency meeting. One of the agency’s employees, Dan Wieden, was inspired by the final words of murderer Gary Gilmore: “Let’s do it.”

The slogan has been incredibly successful and is now one of the most recognizable phrases in the world. According to some estimates, the Nike brand is worth over $10 billion due to the power of the “Just Do It” slogan. 

So, the next time you see the slogan, remember it has a dark and interesting backstory.

3. The Shoe Spill of 1990

In 1990, a container ship carrying Nike sneakers from Korea lost 40,000 boxes of shoes overboard in a storm. The shoes were scattered across the Atlantic Ocean, washing up on beaches from the Bahamas to Ireland. 

For weeks, shoes continued to wash up on beaches all along the West Coast, much to the delight of beachgoers (and the annoyance of local authorities).

4. The Emmy Awards

Not only does the company produce high-quality athletic gear, but it also creates some of the most memorable and effective advertising campaigns. 

Over the years, Nike has won numerous awards for its commercials, including two Emmys. In 2000, the company took home top honors for its “playmakers” spot, which featured a group of kids playing football on a makeshift field. 

And in 2002, Nike’s ” movements” commercial – which showcased a variety of athletes in action – was also awarded an Emmy.

5. Nike in the silver screen

In addition to making great running shoes, Nike has a long history of designing footwear for the silver screen. Tinker Hatfield, one of Nike’s most famous designers, created the Bat boot for the first Batman movie. 

The hoverboarding shoes worn by Michael J. Fox in Back to the Future: Part II was also designed by Nike. And in keeping with the company’s “Just Do It” mantra, Nike even made a shoe to climb walls – just like Spider-Man!

6. Nike and Shaq

Who would have thought that Shaquille Rashaun O’Neal, one of the most famous athletes in the world, would ever be seen wearing Reebok? But that’s exactly what happened when he met with Nike to discuss a potential endorsement deal. 

Reportedly, Shaq didn’t want to sign with Nike because he felt they weren’t fun and interesting enough. So, instead of wearing Nike like everyone else, he made a statement by donning Reebok.

7. Nike’s Reuse-a-Shoe

The program collects used shoes from Nike retailers and consumers and then recycles them into a material to create new shoes, playground surfaces, and other sports equipment. 

Nike has recently recycled more than 30 million pairs of shoes through the Reuse-a-Shoe program. 

8. The first athlete endorsed by Nike

couple running with nike shoes
Some of the best athletes in the world are sponsored by Nike. Source: Freepik.

Ilie Nastase was a Romanian tennis player considered one of the best players in the world in the 1970s. 

He was also the first athlete to sign a contract with Nike and played a significant role in the company’s early success.

Nastase signed his deal with the company in 1972. He wore Nike shoes during his matches and helped to promote the brand through his success on the court.

9. Endorsement with athletes

When it comes to endorsements, Nike is in a league of its own. The company has signed some of the biggest names in sports, from LeBron James to Cristiano Ronaldo. 

And it’s not just about signing the biggest stars – Nike also knows how to pick a fun and interesting athletes, which helps make their products more appealing to consumers. 

For example, Nike’s partnership with NBA player Kyrie Irving has been extremely successful due in part to Kyrie’s fun and quirky personality. 

10. The battle for Michael Jordan

Nike and Adidas are two of the biggest names in the sportswear industry, and they have been locked in a heated competition for years. 

One of the most high-profile battles between the two brands occurred in 1984 when they both vied for the signature of basketball superstar Michael Jordan. 

Nike eventually won out, and Jordan became one of the most successful athletes in history.

Top 5 easiest sports to play

Nike is a company known for making athletic wear and equipment designed to help athletes perform their best. 

Whether you’re an experienced professional player or just starting in your local area with some new gear, Nike has got what it takes!

And if you’re getting into sports, check out our following content on the easiest sports to play.

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Top 5 easiest sports to play: find the right one

Looking for a sport to play? Here are the top 5 easiest sports that you can easily learn and get started with.

About the author  /  Vinicius Barbosa

Vinicius Barbosa is a writer of finance-related content on this portal. Graduated in Social Communication, he writes about everything that involves the world of finances, from credit card recommendations to investment tips, for readers who want to make better decisions when it comes time to spend their money or invest wisely.

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