Nike tennis shoes have not always had the recognizable name they now have. Like many shoe companies, Nike started out as a small business with a different name. The founders of Nike were Bill Bowerman and Phil Knight. They meet at the University of Oregon at Eugene. Bowerman was a track and field coach and Knight was a University of Oregon business student and a middle distance runner. Their partnership began in 1957, soon after they met.
The Origins of the Nike Name
Nike began as Blue Ribbon Sports back in 1964 in Knight’s father’s basement. They sold the shoes out of the trunk of his car. Interestingly enough, they started their business by selling Onitsuka Tiger running shoes, made by Asics. After experimenting on various shoe designs, they decided to make their own shoes. The swoosh design was created for only $35 by graphic designer Carolyn Davidson in 1971. In the same year, the Nike name was developed. Their first full-time employee, Jeff Johnson, had a dream about Nike, the Greek goddess of victory, and the name stuck. Blue Ribbon Sports officially split from Onitsuka Tiger and Nike, Inc. was born.
Nike and Athletes: The Lifetime Relationship
Their first unofficial “spokesperson” was Steve Prefontaine. In 1973, Prefontaine became the first athlete to sport the new Nike shoes. Many of his fellow athletes followed in his footsteps. By the 1976 Olympic Trials, Nike tennis shoes were on the feet of some of the hottest new runners in the country. Since then, athletes have always been Nike’s biggest selling points. In 1978, John McEnroe became the next spokesperson for the company. By 1983, more than 23 athletes were Nike-sponsored and won medals in track and field competitions. In the years to follow, many other athletes associated themselves with the shoe company, and gold medals always seemed to follow.
The Technology Behind Nike Tennis Shoes
Over the years, Nike has risen to the top of the athletic shoe industry. As one of the most recognizable names, Nike must stay on top with innovative technology and shoe design. One of the signature elements of Nike shoes is the cushioning. They have developed various ways of reducing the shock and pressure placed on joints while participating in most sports. Nike Air was created with that problem in mind. As the first to use air technology to provide additional support, Nike still uses this helpful design to this day. Continuing with the use of air support, they then created Max Air. This design is similar to Nike Air but provides better support. Zoom Air was next and created a lightweight feel and improved on foot positioning. Bringing the foot closer to the ground, this innovation improves the athlete’s maneuverability. The newest technology has been the recent creation of Nike Shox, cushioning that is more energy-efficient and reduces the risk of impact-related injuries.
Nike gained in popularity because of its famous spokespersons and innovative technologies. Not only has this company provided the world with Nike tennis shoes, but apparel and equipment as well. Nike’s domination of athletic shoes will surely continue for years to come.
By Tamara C. Jude