Nike

Nike, Inc. is a multinational corporation that is primarily known for its athletic footwear, apparel, and equipment. The company was founded in 1964 as Blue Ribbon Sports by Bill Bowerman and Phil Knight, who were both track and field athletes at the University of Oregon.

Initially, the company operated as a distributor for the Japanese shoe company Onitsuka Tiger (now ASICS). However, in 1971, Blue Ribbon Sports launched its own line of footwear under the Nike brand, named after the Greek goddess of victory.

Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Nike established itself as a major player in the sports apparel industry, thanks in part to high-profile endorsements from athletes such as Michael Jordan, Bo Jackson, and Andre Agassi. Nike also pioneered the use of innovative technologies, such as air-cushioned soles, to improve the performance and comfort of its shoes.

In the 1990s, Nike expanded into new markets, including women's and children's apparel, and began to focus on sustainability and environmental responsibility. The company also expanded into other areas of sports, such as soccer and golf, and acquired other brands, including Converse and Hurley.

Today, Nike is one of the largest and most recognizable brands in the world, with a wide range of products for athletes and casual wearers alike. The company continues to innovate with new technologies and materials, while also focusing on social and environmental responsibility through initiatives such as the Nike Foundation and the Nike Grind program, which recycles old shoes and transforms them into new products.