In 1950, Bill Bowerman, a coach of athletics at the University of Oregon and Phil Knight, a student in accounting and semi-responsible runner, have the idea to import from Japan cheap and high quality athletic shoes. At that time, German brands like Adidas dominate the industry. The same year, the company Blue Ribbon Sports sells shoes of the Japanese manufacturer Onitsuka Tiger.

Jeff Johnson has joined them in 1965 and became the first full-time representative salesman of the company: he went to the stadiums to promote athletic shoes.

In 1966, it was Johnson who opened the first store company in Santa Monica, California.

However, the desire of Bowerman is to improve the appearance of Tiger and Knight wants to do more than sell shoes of other companies. Johnson renamed the company to Nike and Bowerman deals design.

In 1971, for $ 35, a graphic art student, Carolyn Davidson, designed the logo of Nike trademark. She is in charge of publicity at the firm until there is a need to employ full-time communication agency.

In 1972, Nike was created by Phil Knight and Bill Bowerman.

In 1973, Nike launched famous shoes Waffle. It was revolutionary because it was a sole which was able to absorb the shocks and help to rebound.

In 1979, the running shoe Tailwind designed with the new technology “Air”. Pockets filled with air are introduced in the soles to improve the comfort of the runner.

In the late 1980s, the logo got a slogan: “Just do it!”. And many athletes are getting the contracts for the sportswear supply.

In 1981, Nike became the No. 1 manufacture of sport shoes in the United States and took the opportunity to enter the stock market.

In 1982 Nike launches Air Force One shoes. Following the success of Nike Air, Davidson was rewarded in 1983 by a Nike logo made in golden set with diamonds and received some Nike shares.

Basketball becomes the brand sport’s flagship with the signing the contract with Michael Jordan in 1984 and the following creation of Nike Air Jordan.

In 1994 Bauer became a subsidiary of the Nike group. In 2006 Nike and Bauer become the unified brand “Nike Bauer”, becoming a giant of sports equipment industry for ice hockey, particularly in the National Hockey League.

1997 is a black year for Nike, which is accused to manufacture its products by sub-contractors employing children.

In the late 1990s, Nike managed to become the official supplier for several sport events: the balls for Champions League in Europe, the Tour de France cyclist race, etc.

In 2003, Nike Inc. acquired its rival Converse Shoes for $ 305 million.

In 2005, Phil Knight (CEO and founder of Nike) is preparing his succession.

In 2008, Nike sold Bauer to a group of investors in head with businessman Graeme Roustan, originally from Quebec and the U.S. firm of private investment Kohlberg & Co. The deal is estimated at 200 million dollars. Bauer will continue to use the Nike Bauer Hockey trademark on the products which are already on the market for the period up to two years.

On February 22, 2008, American brand becomes official provider of equipment for the French football team. The contract of 320 million won from German rival Adidas, will take effect in 2011.