Nike, Inc. began as Blue Ribbon Sports in 1964, founded by Phil Knight and coach Bill Bowerman at the University of Oregon. The company adopted the Nike name in 1971, inspired by the Greek goddess of victory, and introduced the now-iconic Swoosh logo the same year. Throughout the 1970s, Nike built its reputation on performance running shoes like the Waffle Trainer, which used Bowerman's revolutionary waffle-sole design. The brand exploded into mainstream culture in the 1980s through strategic athlete partnerships, most notably with Michael Jordan, whose Air Jordan line redefined sneaker culture and sports marketing.
Nike's identity was further cemented by the Just Do It campaign, launched in 1988, which became one of advertising's most enduring slogans. Vintage Nike posters from the 1970s through 1990s are highly collectible today because they capture the brand's formative years, when bold design and athletic innovation merged to create a cultural phenomenon. These posters reflect an era when Nike transitioned from a scrappy underdog to the world's leading sportswear brand, with designs that celebrate the raw energy and ambition that defined its rise. In fiscal 2026, Nike reported net income of $3.11 billion, underscoring its enduring commercial and cultural impact.