Nike is generally regarded as “the” mens trainers company. However, many people are actually unaware of where the company got its start and the general misconception is that Michael Jordan made the company what it is today. While he obviously played a big part in their success, they were well on their way before he ever came into the picture.
Nike was actually started as another company in 1966, Blue Ribbon Sports. Initially, they were nothing more than a distributor, but that would change in just a few short years. They ended up separating from their original ties and decided to launch their own line of footwear. The infamous “Swoosh” made its first appearance in 1971 and was registered as their trademark in 1974.
The actual name was the first label that was used for their very first shoe, a soccer shoe. The “Nike” was released in 1971 and Blue Ribbon Sports officially changed their name over to their trademark in 1978. From that moment on, BRS would be known as Nike, Inc.
Nike quickly realized that the best way to get people to buy their mens nike trainers was to have athletes market them. Their first signing was Ilie Nastase and they never looked back. The company started to grow like wildfire and by 1980, they were enjoying an incredible 50% share of the market. By 1982, Nike seemed to be everywhere that you looked and the advertising campaign that was put together was sheer genius.
“Just Do It” made its first appearance in 1988 and has stuck with the company as their slogan ever since. Nike has absolutely owned the industry since that time and has expanded out into just about every sport imaginable. The marriage between Nike and Tiger Woods has now made them one of the premier manufacturers of not only golf wear and shoes, but also equipment. Rest assured that every list or conversation that involves sportswear will involve the Nike name.