They’ve kitted out some of the world’s best athletes in their sportswear and most of us have literally walked in their shoes. But what do you actually know about this iconic sports brand? Check out these 10 things you didn’t know about Nike. Come on ‘Just Do It’.
Nike’s huge worldwide success has largely been down to its endorsement and sponsorship deals, sleek marketing and high quality products putting Nike in the same category as brand giants; McDonalds, Coca-Cola and APPLE! They have left their mark on some of the most famous athletes of all time, including Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods, and Derek Jeter among a number of other blockbuster names. As Nike is one of our own favorite sports brands, we have put together some fun and interesting facts for you to enjoy!
10FACT No 10
Nike´s swoosh logo was designed for 35 dollars by graphic design student Carolyn Davidson in 1971. 12 years latter Nike thanked her with 500 Nike stocks, now worth an estimated 643.035 dollars.
09FACT No 9
The “Just do it” slogan was inspired by killer Gary Gilmore. His infamous last words before his firing squad execution were “Let´s do it”.
08FACT No 8
Early Nike shoes were made with a waffle iron to create the sole of the trainer. The design was to help athletes grip running tracks and patented in 1974.
07FACT No 7
Riots broke out across America in 2011 after a re-release of Air Jordan´s. Police smashed a car window to save two toddlers after their mom abandoned them to buy the shoes.
06FACT No 6
Their Kanye west trainer Air Yeezy 2 “Red October” sold out in 10 minutes. The retail price was 245 dollars a pair were sold on a eBay for 15.000 dollars.
05FACT No 5
A pimp attempted to sue Nike for 100 million dollars after being imprisoned for stomping a man in the head. He claimed Nike failed to provide a warning that their shoes could be used as dangerous weapons.
04FACT No 4
A Nike commercial was the first ever YouTube to hit a million views. The 2005 video shows football player Ronaldinho doing a reality-defying crossbar challenge.
03FUKUSHIMA MELTDOWN
Nike patented an “automatic lacing system” in 2010 that can open and close shoe straps using motor unit. They claim the “Back to the future” shoes will arrive in 2015.
02FACT No 2
Nike made a commercial translating a Samburu tribe as saying “Just Do it” in his native language. They didn´t think anyone would realise the tribesman actually says “I don´t want these, give me big shoes”.
01FACT No 1
Michael Jordan earned more annually for endorsing Nike than the collective 30.000 Indonesian workers who made the shoes.