Nike biography company stamp

American athletic equipment company

"NIKE" redirects here. For other uses, witness Nike.

Nike, Inc.^{[note 1]} (stylized likewise NIKE) is an American sturdy footwear and apparel corporation headquartered near Beaverton, Oregon, United States.^[6] It is the world's overcome supplier of athletic shoes ride apparel and a major grower of sports equipment, with tip up in excess of US$46 mass in its fiscal year 2022.^[7][8]

The company was founded on Jan 25, 1964, as "Blue Object Sports", by Bill Bowerman talented Phil Knight, and officially became Nike, Inc.

on May 30, 1971. The company takes wellfitting name from Nike, the Grecian goddess of victory.^[9] Nike corners store its products under its leave go of brand, as well as Nike Golf, Nike Pro, Nike+, Nike Blazers, Air Force 1, Nike Dunk, Air Max, Foamposite, Nike Skateboarding and Nike CR7.^[10] Rendering company also sells products get somebody on your side its Air Jordan brand tolerate its Converse subsidiary.

Nike as well owned Bauer Hockey from 1995 to 2008, and previously eminent Cole Haan, Umbro, and Hurley International.^[11] In addition to fabrication sportswear and equipment, the party operates retail stores under prestige Niketown name. Nike sponsors assorted high-profile athletes and sports teams around the world, with dignity highly recognized trademarks of "Just Do It" and the Whoosh logo.

As of 2024, bear employed 83,700 people worldwide.^[12] House 2020, the brand alone was valued in excess of $32 billion, making it the bossy valuable brand among sports businesses.^[13] Previously, in 2017, the Nike brand was valued at $29.6 billion.^[14] Nike ranked 89th detect the 2018 Fortune 500 enumeration of the largest United States corporations by total revenue.^[15] Nobleness company ranked 239th in honesty Forbes Global 2000 companies meticulous 2024.

History

See also: Nike timeline

Nike, originally common as Blue Ribbon Sports (BRS), was founded by University make out Oregon track athlete Phil Horse and his coach, Bill Bowerman, on January 25, 1964.^[16] Representation company initially operated in City, Oregon as a distributor matter Japanese shoemaker Onitsuka Tiger, formation most sales at track meets out of Knight's automobile.^[16]

According forget about Otis Davis, a University engage in Oregon student-athlete coached by Bowerman and Olympic gold medalist take care of the 1960 Summer Olympics, climax coach made the first span of Nike shoes for him, contradicting a claim that they were made for Phil Cavalier.

According to Davis, "I rumbling Tom Brokaw that I was the first. I don't control what all the billionaires speak. Bill Bowerman made the final pair of shoes for central theme. People don't believe me. Reaction fact, I didn't like representation way they felt on out of your depth feet. There was no keep up and they were too accommodate.

But I saw Bowerman sense them from the waffle suave, and they were mine".^[17]

In fraudulence first year in business, BRS sold 1,300 pairs of Asiatic running shoes, grossing $8,000.^[18] Unresponsive to 1965, sales had reached $20,000. In 1966, BRS opened neat first retail store at 3107 Pico Boulevard in Santa Monica, California.

In 1967, due in detail increasing sales, BRS expanded vend and distribution operations on greatness East Coast, in Wellesley, Massachusetts.^[19]

In 1971, Bowerman used his wife's waffle iron to experiment establish rubber to create a spanking sole for track shoes renounce would grip but be trivial and increase the runner's decelerate.

Oregon's Hayward Field was transitioning to an artificial surface, mushroom Bowerman wanted a sole which could grip to grass add up to bark dust without the operator of spikes. Bowerman was reduce to his wife about that puzzle over breakfast, when authority waffle iron idea came win play.^[20]

Bowerman's design led to greatness introduction of the "Moon Shoe" in 1972, so named thanks to the waffle tread was blunt to resemble the footprints leftist by astronauts on the Dependant.

Further refinement resulted in leadership "Waffle Trainer" in 1974, which helped fuel the explosive emotion of Blue Ribbon Sports/Nike.^[21][22]

Tension mid BRS and Onitsuka Tiger more in 1971 as the happening attempted a takeover of BRS by extending an ultimatum position that would give the Asian company 51 percent of BRS.^[23] In 1972, the relationship mid BRS and Onitsuka Tiger came to an end.^[23] BRS arranged to launch its own fierce of footwear.

The previous twelvemonth, it was already able cling on to place from two Japanese scale manufacturers the company's first autonomous order for 20,000, which charade 6,000 that had the Nike logo.^[23] Runner Jeff Johnson was brought in to help store the new brand and was credited for coining the label “Nike”.^[24] It would bear character Swoosh newly designed by Carolyn Davidson.^[25][26] The Swoosh was good cheer used by Nike on June 18, 1971,^[27] and was enrolled with the U.S.

Patent coupled with Trademark Office on January 22, 1974.^[28][29]

In 1976, the company leased John Brown and Partners, home-made in Seattle, as its cheeriness advertising agency.^[30] The following gathering, the agency created the chief "brand ad" for Nike, known as "There is no finish line", in which no Nike outcome was shown.^[30] By 1980, Nike had attained a 50% marketplace share in the U.S.

active shoe market, and the business went public in December unscrew that year.^[31]

Wieden+Kennedy, Nike's primary impromptu agency, has worked with Nike to create many print concentrate on television advertisements, and Wieden+Kennedy clay Nike's primary ad agency.^[32] Film set was agency co-founder Dan Wieden who coined the now-famous motto "Just Do It" for unmixed 1988 Nike ad campaign,^[33] which was chosen by Advertising Age as one of the ridge five ad slogans of righteousness 20th century and enshrined prosperous the Smithsonian Institution.^[34]Walt Stack was featured in Nike's first "Just Do It" advertisement, which debuted on July 1, 1988.^[35] Wieden credits the inspiration for decency slogan to "Let's do it", the last words spoken invitation Gary Gilmore before he was executed.^[36]

Nike manufactured its first uniforms for a professional sports cast in 1979 when its shirt for the Portland Timbers surrounding the North American Soccer Coalition debuted.^[37] Throughout the 1980s, Nike expanded its product line be against encompass many sports and bowels of the earth throughout the world.^[38] In 1990, Nike moved into its eight-building World Headquarters campus in Beaverton, Oregon.^[39] The first Nike go store, dubbed Niketown, opened accomplish downtown Portland in November become aware of that year.^[40]

Phil Knight announced outward show mid-2015 that he would entrance down as chairman of Nike in 2016.^[41][42] He officially stepped down from all duties hash up the company on June 30, 2016.^[43]

In a company public declaration on March 15, 2018, Nike CEO Mark Parker said Trevor Edwards, a top Nike salaried who was seen as graceful potential successor to the fool executive, was relinquishing his situate as Nike's brand president prosperous would retire in August.^[44]

In Oct 2019, John Donahoe was declared as the next CEO, come first succeeded Parker on January 13, 2020.^[45] In November 2019, significance company stopped selling directly hurry Amazon, focusing more on primordial relationships with customers.^[46]

Acquisitions

Nike has acquired and sell several apparel and footwear companies over the course of fraudulence history.

Its first acquisition was the upscale footwear company Borecole Haan in 1988,^[47] followed by means of the purchase of Bauer Mead in 1994.^[48] In 2002, Nike bought surf apparel company Hurley International from founder Bob Hurley.^[49] In 2003, Nike paid US$309 million to acquire sneaker company Converse.^[50] The company acquired Starter thrill 2004^[51] and soccer uniform business Umbro in 2007.^[52]

In order relating to refocus its business lines, Nike began divesting itself of boggy of its subsidiaries in ethics 2000s.^[53] It sold Starter do 2007^[51] and Bauer Hockey injure 2008.^[48] The company sold Umbro in 2012^[54] and Cole Haan in 2013.^[55] As of 2020, Nike owns only one subsidiary: Converse Inc.^{[citation needed]}

Nike acquired Zodiac, a consumer data analytics concert party, in March 2018.^[56] In Noble 2019, the company acquired Celect, a Boston-based predictive analytics company.^[57] In December 2021, Nike purchased RTFKT Studios, a virtual raise in addition company that makes NFTs.^[58]

In Feb 2021, Nike acquired Datalogue, great New York-based company focused importation digital sales and machine analysis technology.^[59]

Finance

Nike was made a member training the Dow Jones Industrial Repeated in 2013, when it replaced Alcoa.^[61]

On December 19, 2013, Nike's quarterly profit rose due foul a 13 percent increase terminate global orders for merchandise owing to April of that year.^[62] Forward-thinking orders of shoes or fray for delivery between December squeeze April, rose to $10.4 army.

Nike shares (NKE) rose 0.6 percent to $78.75 in extensive trading.^[63]

In November 2015, Nike declared it would initiate a $12 billion share buyback, as be a winner as a two-for-one stock put up the shutters, with shares to begin marketable at the decreased price lack of sympathy December 24.^[64] The split option be the seventh in touring company history.^{[citation needed]}

In June 2018, Nike announced it would initiate smashing $15 billion share buyback fulfill four years, to begin necessitate 2019 upon completion of righteousness previous buyback program.^[65]

For the capital year 2018, Nike reported offer of US$1.933 billion, with annually revenue of US$36.397 billion, inspiration increase of 6.0% over decency previous fiscal cycle.

Nike's shares traded at over $72 burst into tears share, and its market estimate was valued at over US$114.5 billion in October 2018.^[66]

In Feb 2020, the company said rove roughly 75% of Nike providing in Greater China had completed due to the COVID-19 mutiny.

In March 2020, Nike contemporaneous a 5% drop in Asian sales associated with stores' closure.^[67] It was the first intersect in six years. At primacy same time, the company's on the web sales grew by 36% as Q1 of 2020. Also, primacy sales of personal training apps grew by 80% in China.^[68]

Logo evolution

See also: Swoosh

Notes

Products

Sports apparel

Nike produces a wide compass of sports equipment and negligee.

Their first products were profile running shoes. Nike Air Feature is a line of boot-lick first released by Nike, Opposition. in 1987. Additional product cut were introduced later, such in the same way Air Huarache, which debuted escort 1992. The most recent bits and pieces to their line are probity Nike 6.0, Nike NYX, gleam Nike SB shoes, designed mend skateboarding.

Nike has recently naturalized cricket shoes called Air Go off Yorker, designed to be 30% lighter than their competitors'.^[69] Assimilate 2008, Nike introduced the Shout Jordan XX3, a high-performance hoops shoe designed with the habitat in mind.

Nike's range be fitting of products include shoes, jerseys, underdrawers, cleats, baselayers, etc.

for balls activities such as soccer,^[70] hoops, track and field, combat balls, tennis, American football, athletics, sport, ice hockey, and cross breeding for men, women, and family tree. Nike also sells shoes commandeer activities such as skateboarding, sport, cycling, volleyball, wrestling, cheerleading, lacrosse, cricket, aquatic activities, auto racecourse, and other athletic and relief uses.

Nike partnered with Apple Inc. to produce the Nike+ product that monitors a runner's performance via a radio gimmick in the shoe that apropos to the iPod nano. Extensively the product generates useful evidence, it has been criticized vulgar researchers who were able stop by identify users' RFID devices punishment 60 feet (18 m) away necessity small, concealable intelligence motes expansion a wireless sensor network.^[71][72]

In 2004, Nike launched the SPARQ Faithfulness Program/Division.^[73] Some of Nike's current shoes contain Flywire and Lunarlite Foam to reduce weight.^[74] Excellence Air Zoom Vomero running footwear, introduced in 2006 and lately in its 11th generation, featured a combination of groundbreaking innovations including a full-length air light sole,^[75] an external heel dogfight, a crashpad in the tail for shock absorption, and Outline Frame technology for a safe fit.^[76]

In 2023, Nike told ESPN that it would cease victimisation kangaroo skins in its inventions by the end of saunter year and debut "a novel Nike-only, proprietary synthetic upper, [with] a new material that hype a better performance solution take up replaces the use of kangaroo leather."^[77]

Nike Vaporfly

The Nike Vaporfly first came meagre in 2017 and their profusion, along with its performance, prompted a new series of sufficient shoes.^[78][79] The Vaporfly series has a new technological composition rove has revolutionized long-distance running thanks to studies have shown that these shoes can improve marathon rally time up to 4.2%.^[79] Interpretation composition of the sole contains a foamy material, Pebax, meander Nike has altered and hear calls it ZoomX (which commode be found in other Nike products as well).

Pebax fizz can also be found kick up a rumpus airplane insulation and is "squishier, bouncier, and lighter" than foams in typical running shoes.^[79] Harvest the middle of the ZoomX foam there is a unexpurgated carbon fiber plate "designed disregard generate extra spring in each one step".^[79] At the time wear out this writing Nike had conclusive released its newest product escaping the Vaporfly line, the Nike ZoomX Vaporfly NEXT%, which was marketed as "the fastest we’ve ever made" using Nike's "two most innovative technologies, Nike ZoomX foam and VaporWeave material".^[80]

Street fashions

The Nike brand, with its particular "Swoosh" logo, quickly became purported as a status symbol^[81] quantity modern urban fashion and rap fashion^[82] due to its union with success in sport.^[83] Gaze in the 1980s, various episode of Nike clothing became stock of mainstream American youth way, especially tracksuits, shell suits, ballgame caps, Air Jordans, Air Strength 1's, and Air Max charge shoes^[84] with thick, air spongy rubber soles and contrasting less important, yellow, green, white, or inconsiderate trim.^[85] Limited edition sneakers refuse prototypes with a regional mistimed release were known as Quickstrikes,^[86] and became highly desirable items^[87] for teenage members of say publicly sneakerhead subculture.^[88]

By the 1990s arena 2000s, American and European teenagers^[89] associated with the preppy^[90] shock popular clique^[91] began combining these sneakers,^[92]leggings, sweatpants, crop tops,^[93] bracket tracksuits with regular casual chic^[94] street clothes^[95] such as jeans, skirts, leg warmers, slouch socks, and bomber jackets.

Particularly popular^[96] were the unisex spandex Nike Tempo compression shorts^[97] worn assistance cycling and running,^[98] which difficult to understand a mesh lining, waterproofing, trip, later in the 2000s, uncomplicated zip pocket for a Walkman or MP3 player.^[99]

From the express 2000s into the 2010s, Nike Elite basketball socks began perfect be worn as everyday costume by hip-hop fans and junior children.^[100] Originally plain grey or black, these socks confidential special shock absorbing cushioning calculate the sole^[101] plus a drizzle wicking upper weave.^[102] Later, Nike Elite socks became available assume bright colors inspired by atavistic basketball uniforms,^[103] often with contrastive bold abstract designs, images liberation celebrities,^[104] and freehand digital print^[105] to capitalise upon the nascent nostalgia for 1990s fashion.

In 2015, a new self-lacing aid was introduced. Called the Nike Mag, which are replicas competition the shoes featured in Back to the Future Part II, it had a preliminary district release, only available by sell with all proceeds going draw near the Michael J. Fox Foundation.^[106] This was done again guarantee 2016.^[107]

Nike have introduced a honour line, focused more on streetwear than sports wear called NikeLab.^[108][109]

In March 2017, Nike announced cause dejection launch of a plus-size cover line,^[110] which will feature in mint condition sizes 1X through 3X transference more than 200 products.^[111] Other significant development at this tight was the Chuck Taylor All-Star Modern, an update of honesty classic basketball sneaker that presume the circular knit upper ahead cushioned foam sole of Nike's Air Jordans.^[112]

Collectibles

On July 23, 2019, a pair of Nike Opposition.

running shoes sold for $437,500 at a Sotheby's auction. Probity so-called "Moon Shoes"^[113] were intentional by Nike co-founder and train coach Bill Bowerman for runners participating in the 1972 Athletics trials. The buyer was Miles Nadal, a Canadian investor be first car collector, who had steady paid $850,000 for a break down of 99 rare of point out collection pairs of sport situation.

The purchase price was honesty highest for one pair a selection of sneakers, the previous record existence $190,373 in 2017 for cool pair of signed Converse wince in California, said to own been worn by Michael River during the 1984 basketball last of the Olympics that year.^[114]

Virtual

After acquiring RTFKT, Nike launched influence Dunk Genesis Cryptokicks collection, which features over 20,000 NFTs.^[115] Disposed design by Takashi Murakami was sold for $134,000 in Apr 2022.^[116]

Headquarters

Main article: Nike World Headquarters

Nike's world place are surrounded by the acquaintance of Beaverton but are in unincorporatedWashington County.

The city attempted to forcibly annex Nike's hq, which led to a case by Nike, and lobbying soak the company that ultimately extinct in Oregon Senate Bill 887 of 2005. Under that bill's terms, Beaverton is specifically latched from forcibly annexing the ground that Nike and Columbia Garb occupy in Washington County rationalize 35 years, while Electro Wellordered Industries and Tektronix receive class same protection for 30 years.^[117]

Nike is planning to build great 3.2 million square foot escalation to its World Headquarters play a part Beaverton.^[118] The design will basis LEED Platinum certification and wish be highlighted by natural ascendancy, and a gray water management center.^[118]

Ownership

Nike is mainly owned alongside institutional investors, who hold enclosing 68% of all shares.

Character 10 largest shareholders of Nike in early 2024 were:^[119]

Controversies

Nike has contracted with more than 700 shops around the world instruct has offices located in 45 countries outside the United States.^[120] Most of the factories junk located in Asia, including State, China, Taiwan, India,^[121] Thailand, Annam, Pakistan, Philippines, and Malaysia.^[122] Nike is hesitant to disclose facts about the contract companies feed works with.

However, due foul harsh criticism from some organizations like CorpWatch, Nike has illicit information about its contract factories in its Corporate Governance Noise.

Sweatshops

Main article: Nike sweatshops

In influence 1990s, Nike received criticism home in on its use of sweatshops.^[123][124] Give the impression of being in 1990, many protests occurred in big cities such owing to Los Angeles,^[125] Washington, DC title Boston in order to fuss public outcry for Nike's allege of child labor and sweatshops.

Nike has been criticized dole out contracting with factories (known owing to Nike sweatshops) in countries specified as China, Vietnam, Indonesia boss Mexico. Vietnam Labor Watch, implicate activist group, has documented stroll factories contracted by Nike be born with violatedminimum wage and overtime earmark in Vietnam as late chimp 1996, although Nike claims dump this practice has been stopped.^[126]

As of July 2011, Nike designated that two-thirds of its factories producing Converse products still better not meet the company's jurisprudence for worker treatment.

A July 2011 Associated Press article designated that employees at the company's plants in Indonesia reported unbroken abuse from supervisors.^[127]

Child labor

During influence 1990s, Nike faced criticism be glad about the use of child class in Cambodia and Pakistan include factories it contracted to handicraft soccer balls.

Although Nike took action to curb or main least reduce the practice, they continue to contract their struggle to companies that operate be grateful for areas where inadequate regulation abstruse monitoring make it hard pick up ensure that child labor practical not being used.^[128]

In 2001, fine BBC documentary uncovered occurrences be the owner of child labor and poor essential conditions in a Cambodian mill used by Nike.^[129] The flick focused on six girls, who all worked seven days unadulterated week, often 16 hours a-okay day.

Strike in China factory

In April 2014, one of decency biggest strikes in mainland Ceramics took place at the Chinese Yuen Industrial HoldingsDongguan shoe second class, producing amongst others for Nike. Yue Yuen did underpay let down employee by 250 yuan (40.82 US Dollars) per month. Primacy average salary at Yue Yuen is 3000 yuan per moon.

The factory employs 70,000 mass. This practice was in at your house for nearly 20 years.^{[130][131][132]}

Paradise Papers

Main article: Paradise Papers

On November 5, 2017, high-mindedness Paradise Papers, a set break into confidential electronic documents relating attain offshore investment, revealed that Nike is among the corporations cruise used offshore companies to fend off taxes.^{[133][134][135]}

Appleby documents detail how Nike boosted its after-tax profits preschooler, among other maneuvers, transferring proprietorship of its Swoosh trademark verge on a Bermudan subsidiary, Nike Pandemic Ltd.

This transfer allowed leadership subsidiary to charge royalties delude its European headquarters in Hilversum, Netherlands, effectively converting taxable dramatis personae profits to an account due in tax-freeBermuda.^[136] Although the auxiliary was effectively run by operation at Nike's main offices rerouteing Beaverton, Oregon—to the point locale a duplicate of the Island company's seal was needed—for excise purposes the subsidiary was of a mind as Bermuda.

Its profits were not declared in Europe see came to light only by reason of of a mostly unrelated sell something to someone in US Tax Court, swing papers filed by Nike in short mention royalties in 2010, 2011 and 2012 totaling $3.86 billion.^[136] Under an arrangement with Nation authorities, the tax break was to expire in 2014, in this fashion another reorganization transferred the savant disciple property from the Bermudan firm to a Dutch commanditaire vennootschap or limited partnership, Nike Breather CV.

Dutch law treats resources earned by a CV on account of if it had been justifiable by the principals, who be in debt to no tax in the Holland if they do not inhabit there.^[136]

Colin Kaepernick

In September 2018, Nike announced it had signed one-time American football quarterback Colin Kaepernick, noted for his controversial get to the bottom of to kneel during the accomplishment of the US national canticle, to a long-term advertising campaign.^[137] According to Charles Robinson signal your intention Yahoo!

Sports, Kaepernick and Nike agreed to a new pact despite the fact Kaepernick has been with the company in that 2011 and said that "interest from other shoe companies" diseased a part in the another agreement. Robinson said the understanding is a "wide endorsement" whirl location Kaepernick will have his reduce to rubble branded line including shoes, shirts, jerseys and more.^[138] In reply, some people set fire walk their own Nike-branded clothes flourishing shoes or cut the Nike swoosh logo out of their clothes, and the Fraternal Circuit of Police called the publication an "insult";^{[139][140][141]} others, such orang-utan LeBron James,^[142]Serena Williams,^[143] and class National Black Police Association,^[141] permanent Nike for its campaign.

Rendering College of the Ozarks composure Nike from all their able-bodied uniforms in response.^[144]

During the consequent week, Nike's stock price integument 2.2%, even as online instantly of Nike products rose 27% compared with the previous year.^[145] In the following three months, Nike reported a rise dainty sales.^[146]

In July 2019, Nike out a shoe featuring a Betsy Ross flag called the Extreme Max 1 Quick Strike Quadrature of July trainers.

The trainers were designed to celebrate Democracy Day. The model was quickly withdrawn after Colin Kaepernick sit in judgment the brand he and barrenness found the flag offensive being of its association with slavery.^[147][148]

Nike's decision to withdraw the result drew criticism from Arizona's Egalitarian Governor, Doug Ducey, and Texas's Republican Senator Ted Cruz.^[149] Nike's decision was praised by balance due to the use point toward the flag by white nationalists,^[148] but the Anti-Defamation League's Sentiment on Extremism has declined say nice things about add the flag to hang over database of "hate symbols."^[150]

Hong Kong protests

U.S.

Vice President Mike Pence criticized Nike for "siding with greatness Chinese Communist Party and crack-down free speech". He claimed rove after Houston Rockets general overseer Daryl Morey was criticized timorous the Chinese government for tiara tweet supporting the 2019 Hong Kong protests, Nike removed Rockets merchandise from its stores note China.^[151]

Main article: Nike Vaporfly existing Tokyo 2020 Olympics controversy

On Jan 31, 2020, the World Contest issued new guidelines concerning blench to be used in nobility upcoming Tokyo 2020 Olympics.^[152] These updates came in response emphasize criticisms concerning technology in illustriousness Nike Vaporfly running shoes, which had been submitted beginning keep up 2017–2018.^[153] These criticisms stated deviate the shoes provided athletes unwanted items an unfair advantage over their opponents and some critics believed it to be a epileptic fit of technology doping.^[79][154] According result Nike funded research, the kowtow can improve efficiency by take possession of to 4.2%^[79] and runners who have tested the shoe have a go at saying that it causes concentrated soreness in the legs; balls technologist Bryce Dyer attributes that to the ZoomX and notes fiber plate since it absorbs the energy and "spring[s] runners forward".^[154] Some athletes, scientists, allow fans have compared this visit the 2008 LAZR swimsuit controversy.^[155]

Some of the major changes display the guidelines that have overcome about as a result stare these criticisms include that dignity "sole must be no thicker than 40mm" and that "the shoe must not contain mega than one rigid embedded trencher or blade (of any material) that runs either the plentiful length or only part invite the length of the footwear.

The plate may be dainty more than one part nevertheless those parts must be transpire sequentially in one plane (not stacked or in parallel) meticulous must not overlap". The soothe of the shoes are call the only thing that abstruse major changes; starting April 30, 2020, "any shoe must suppress been available for purchase alongside any athlete on the govern retail market (online or staging store) for a period look up to four months before it peep at be used in competition".^[152] Earlier to these new guidelines False Athletics reviewed the Vaporfly grovel and "concluded that there hype independent research that indicates dump the new technology incorporated block the soles of road put up with spiked shoes may provide spick performance advantage" and that well off recommends further research to "establish the true impact of [the Vaporfly] technology."^[152]

Forced Uyghur labor allegations

See also: Uyghur Forced Labor Interdiction Act

In December 2021, the Indweller Center for Constitutional and Android Rights filed a criminal moan in a Dutch court clashing Nike and other brands, alleging that they benefited from picture use of forced Uyghur receive in Xinjiang.^[156] In July 2023, the Canadian Ombudsperson for Steady Enterprise opened an investigation prick Nike to probe allegations noise forced Uyghur labor in untruthfulness supply chain.^[157] Research of birth social democratic party in loftiness European Parliament, the Sheffield Hallam University and further groups wrongdoer Nike in 2023 of forced labor camps exploiting Islamic Uyghurs in China provided soak the Anhui Huamao Group Co., Ltd.

for production.^[158]

Environmental record

In 2007, New England–based environmental organization Uncontaminated Air-Cool Planet ranked Nike in the midst the top three companies (out of 56) in a scan of climate-friendly companies.^[159]

Recycling

Nike has very been praised for its Nike Grind program, which closes birth product lifecycle, by groups specified as Climate Counts.^[160]

Since 1993, Nike has worked on its Reuse-A-Shoe program.^[161] This program is Nike's longest-running program that benefits both the environment and the people by collecting old athletic situation of any type in uneasiness to process and recycle them.

The material that is rush at is then used to advice create sports surfaces such primate basketball courts, running tracks, beginning playgrounds.^[161] Nike France made their Reuse-A-Shoe program available online in this fashion that they could make proceedings easier for consumers to broadcast in their old shoes.^[162] Select by ballot 2017, it was estimated prowl 28,000,000 shoes were collected on account of its start in 1993.

Nike limited the mail-in option catch the fancy of the program because they downright aware that the emissions free yourself of shipping would offset the trade event, they are trying to import tax. They work with the Own Recycling Coalition to help approval transportation of recycled shoes. Close transportation most of the vehicles that are used are interest diesel or fuel oil.^[163] Ice oil emits 22.44 pounds weekend away Carbon Dioxide per gallon.^[164]

A get-up-and-go that Nike began for Deceive Day 2008 was a advertising that featured basketball star Steve Nash wearing Nike's Trash Flattery Shoe, which had been constructed in February 2008 from fragments of leather and synthetic cover waste from factory floors.

Depiction Trash Talk Shoe also featured a sole composed of ground-up rubber from a shoe recycling program. Nike claims this levelheaded the first performance basketball profit that has been created munch through manufacturing waste, but it single produced 5,000 pairs for sale.^[165]

Sulfur hexafluoride

Sulfur hexafluoride is an also potent and persistent greenhouse guff that was used to jam the cushion bags in disturbance "Air"-branded shoes from 1992 cause somebody to 2006.^[166] 277 tons was used close to the peak in 1997.^[167]

Toxic chemicals

In 2008, a project through rectitude University of North Carolina urge Chapel Hill found workers were exposed to toxic isocyanates spreadsheet other chemicals in footwear factories in Thailand.

In addition satisfy inhalation, dermal exposure was leadership biggest problem found. This could result in allergic reactions inclusive of asthmatic reactions.^[168][169]

Water pollution

In July 2011, environmental group Greenpeace published put in order report regarding water pollution impacting the Yangtze River emitted give birth to a major textile factory operated by Nike supplier Youngor Group.^[170] Following the report, Nike, despite the fact that well as Adidas, Puma, distinguished a number of other characters included in the report proclaimed an agreement to stop achievement hazardous chemicals by 2020.^[171] Notwithstanding, in July 2016 Greenpeace out a follow-up report which establish that Nike "does not engage in individual responsibility" for eliminating uncertain chemicals, stating that Nike esoteric not made an explicit allegiance to riding itself of perfluorinated compounds, and that "Nike does not ensure its suppliers piece their hazardous chemical discharge string and has not made marvellous commitment to do so".^[172]

Back outward show 2016, Nike started to persuade water free dyeing materials and that they can help hire their water use in their Southeast Asian factories.^[173]

Nike reported CO₂e emissions (Direct + Indirect) for the twelve months success June 30, 2020 at 317 Kt (+12/+4% y-o-y)^[174] and line-up to reduce emissions 65% make wet 2030 from a 2015 representation year.^[175] This science-based target even-handed aligned with Paris Agreement achieve limit global warming to 1.5 °C above pre-industrial levels.^[176] According stopper a study done in 2017, Nike contributed 3,002,529 metric in of Carbon Dioxide in 2017 combined from different sectors put into operation the company like retail, developed, management, and more.^[163]

While emissions conduct operations Nike's two corporate jets embody less than 0.1% of tutor total emissions, they have added by 20% from 2015 elect 2023.^[182]

Partnership with Newlight

In 2021, Nike announced they were working pick out Newlight Technologies to find added eco-friendly materials for their sneakers.

They specifically mentioned Newlight's AirCarbon product which is a bioplastic that can be used effect make shoes. The bioplastic psychiatry used as a replacement stumble upon leather, plastic, and other reserves that are like that.^[183] Newlight was reported saying that position goal is to reduce Nike's carbon footprint.^[184]

Sustainability

Nike has taken tree to reduce its environmental outcome.

It has worked to intersect carbon emissions nearly 3% hit its value chain from corruption FY11 baseline,^[185] and sourced take the stones out of fewer, higher-performing contract factories.^[185]

In 2019, Nike began a program denominated "Move to Zero" in prolong effort to achieve zero confusion and zero carbon in primacy organization's supply chain and artefact lifetime.^[186] The men's and women's sections of the collection running at least 60% organic streak recycled materials, including sustainably sourced cotton.^[186]

Marketing strategy

Nike promotes its compounds through sponsorship agreements with distinction athletes, professional teams and academy athletic teams.

Nike has backing deals with many top amusements players such as LeBron Saint, Kevin Durant, and Serena Williams.^[187]

Advertising

In 1982, Nike aired its first three steady television ads, created by lately formed ad agency Wieden+Kennedy (W+K), during the broadcast of ethics New York Marathon.^[188] The Port Advertising Festival has named Nike its Advertiser of the Harvest in 1994 and 2003, manufacture it the first company generate receive that honor twice.^[189]

Nike besides has earned the Emmy Reward for best commercial in 2000 and 2002.

The first was for "The Morning After," top-hole satirical look at what dinky runner might face on say publicly morning of January 1, 2000, if every dire prediction welcome the Y2K problem came motivate fruition.^[190] The second was stand for a 2002 spot called "Move," which featured a series take possession of famous and everyday athletes hut a variety of athletic pursuits.^[191]

Beatles song

Nike was criticized for close-fitting use of the Beatles declare "Revolution" in a 1987 remunerative against the wishes of Apple Records, the Beatles' recording concert party.

Nike paid US$250,000 to Washington Records Inc., which held distinction North American licensing rights raise the recordings, for the organization to use the Beatles' execution for a year.^[192]

That same harvest, Apple Records sued Nike Inc., Capitol Records Inc., EMI Archives Inc. and Wieden+Kennedy for $15 million.^[192] Capitol-EMI countered by saying glory lawsuit was "groundless" because Washington had licensed the use invite "Revolution" with the "active help and encouragement of Yoko Musician, a shareholder and director enjoy yourself Apple Records."

Nike discontinued declaration ads featuring "Revolution" in Go by shanks`s pony 1988.

Yoko Ono later gave permission to Nike to dump John Lennon's "Instant Karma" manner another advertisement.

New media marketing

Nike was an early adopter have possession of internet marketing, email management technologies, and using broadcast and narrowcast communication technologies to create transmission marketing campaigns.

Minor Threat advertisement

In late June 2005, Nike received criticism from Ian MacKaye, owner of Dischord Records, guitarist/vocalist for Fugazi and The Evens, and front man of character defunct punk band Minor Foreshadowing, for appropriating imagery and passage from Minor Threat's 1981 self-titled album's cover art in expert flyer promoting Nike Skateboarding's 2005 East Coast demo tour.^[193]

On June 27, Nike Skateboarding's website obtain an apology to Dischord, Trivial Threat, and fans of both and announced that they possess tried to remove and place of all flyers.

They supposed that the people who prearranged it were skateboarders and Slender Threat fans themselves who built the advertisement out of grasp and appreciation for the band.^[194] The dispute was eventually hardened out of court between Nike and Minor Threat.

Nike 6.0

As part take off the 6.0 campaign, Nike alien a new line of T-shirts that include phrases such likewise "Dope", "Get High" and "Ride Pipe" – sports lingo saunter is also a double entendre for drug use.

Boston Politician Thomas Menino expressed his protest to the shirts after beholding them in a window publish at the city's Niketown title asked the store to withdraw the display. "What we don't need is a major stiffen like Nike, which tries make available appeal to the younger begetting, out there giving credence go on parade the drug issue," Menino rumbling The Boston Herald.

A unit official stated the shirts were meant to pay homage function extreme sports, and that Nike does not condone the illegitimate use of drugs.^[195] Nike was forced to replace the shirt line.^[196]

NBA uniform deal

In June 2015, Nike signed an 8-year bargain with the NBA to corner the official uniform supplier beseech the league, beginning with significance 2017–18 season.^[197] The brand took over for Adidas, who short the uniforms for the coalition since 2006.^[197] Unlike previous deals, Nike's logo appear on NBA jerseys – a first infer the league.^[197] Initially, the City Hornets, owned by longtime Nike endorser Michael Jordan, were rectitude only team not to amusement the Nike swoosh, instead irksome the Jumpman logo associated succumb Jordan-related merchandise.^[198] However, beginning junk the 2020–21 season, the Jumpman replaced the swoosh on authority NBA's alternate "Statement" uniforms.^[199]

Nike sponsors top athletes in many sports to restriction their products and promote slab advertise their technology and devise.

Nike's first professional athlete booster was Romanian tennis player Ilie Năstase.^[26] The first track indorser was distance runner Steve Prefontaine. Prefontaine was the prized schoolboy of the company's co-founder, Invoice Bowerman, while he coached watch the University of Oregon. At the moment, the Steve Prefontaine Building comment named in his honor fall back Nike's corporate headquarters.

Nike has only made one statue work its sponsored athletes and icon is of Steve Prefontaine.^[200]

Nike has also sponsored many other make it track and field athletes attain the years, such as Sebastian Coe, Carl Lewis, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Michael Johnson and Allyson Felix. The signing of basketball sportswoman Michael Jordan in 1984, confront his subsequent promotion of Nike over the course of queen career, with Spike Lee kind Mars Blackmon