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An Introduction To Nike Running Shoes
- Sapphire Running Team
- Jul 20, 2025
- 6 min read
Updated: Jan 18
Everything you need to know about Nike running shoes
One of the most successful companies in the world Nike was founded as recently as 1964 by Bill Bowerman and Phil Knight and was known initially as Blue Ribbon Sports. Seven years later it took on the name with which we are all now so familiar, being named after the Greek goddess of victory. It's one of the most successful companies in the world and it's safe to say that most of us have worn a pair of Nike shoes at some point in our lives. But what about their running shoes?
The history
Nike was founded by Phil Knight, a track and field athlete, and his University of Oregon coach, Bill Bowerman. They founded the company to “bring inspiration and innovation to every athlete” and offer high-quality footwear at a low cost. In the early 1960s Knight began to import Japanese 'Onitsuka' shoes (which later became Asics) after a visit to Kabo to meet the founder. Selling them from the back of his car, with a loan from his parents, the enterprise grew to another level, when Bowerman joined Knight. This is when plans for their own shoes became a reality and Blue Ribbon Sports was born.
The first official Bowerman-engineered design was the 1967 Tiger Cortez, which featured a full-length foam midsole. The famous waffle sole shoes, based on the family's waffle iron, were developed by Bowerman in 1970 and then the Air sole was launched eight years later. Innovations have continued in running and in virtually every other sport.
Blue Ribbon Sports became Nike in 1971. In Greek mythology, Nike is the Winged Goddess of Victory. That was the same year the Swoosh logo was created, based on the goddess' wing,'swoosh', symbolising the sound of speed, movement, power and motivation. One of the most famous brand logos in the world, it was developed by Carolyn Davidson, a graphic design student at Portland State University. It took her 17.5 hours and she was paid $35.
The company went public in 1980, but it was the signing of Michael Jordan in 1984 that really transformed its fortunes and set it on its current path. In 1988 'Just do it' was seen for the first time, a slogan that remains at the heart of the Nike's marketing.
Who owns them?
Various stakeholders own Nike’s shares, including the founder and other internal individuals and institutions. There has two stock classes:
Class A: This is not available on the open market and can not be converted to Class B shares;
Class B: the normal shares available to investors.
Phil Knight owns 9.3% of outstanding class A shares and 0.9% of outstanding class B shares.
The major institutional shareholders are Swoosh, LLC, which holds 16.5% of Nike’s stock. Swoosh is a limited liability company created by Phil Knight to hold many Nike shares. Vanguard Group, Inc has 7.0% of shares, and Black Rock, Inc holds 5.9% of total outstanding shares.
What are they known for?
Nike has developed some of the best running shoe technology on the market and have patented their own foams, in line with many other manufacturers. In Nike's case it's React or ZoomX foam and most of their running shoes will have one or other of these exclusive foams. The purpose of React is to give cushioning and responsiveness, absorbing impact and generating extra spring. ZoomX is all about speed. It gives more lift than React and is a stiffer and more lightweight product.
It's not just about the foam. There are designs featuring Zoom Air units, which are small air-filled capsules that go inside the midsole. They absorb impact and and assistith forward propulsion when they spring back to their original shape. Many of their shoes also feature carbon fiber plates that work together with the ZoomX foam. These are stiff plates that give stability without adding extra weight.
When it comes to innovation in the world of shoes for elite runners Nike is hard to beat, although Adidas is now giving them plenty to consider. In 2022 Elliot Kipchoge went under two hours for the marathon distance for the first time, wearing a pair of Vaporfly. Although it wasn't an official marathon the publicity associated with the event catapulted the shoe into the mainstream and it's now a best seller. 'Normal' running shoes generally use EVA foam, which returns about 65% of the energy you put into it, but in contrast the Vaporfly uses a new type of foam called Pebax, which returns 87%. There is also a carbon-fiber plate that means the foam can compress and expand quickly. Most of the top ten runners in the major marathons are now using these shoes and the phrase 'technical doping' is being used to describe the advantage the shoes give to those wearing them. An advantage that has proven to be at least 4.5%. The sports governing body, World Athletics, now has another challenge to maintain a level playing field. As the controversy gains traction, so do sales. After the setting of the new women's marathon world record at the 2023 Berlin Marathon by Tigst Assefa, who ran in Adios Pro Evo Is, so Nike now has a partner in the race for the perfect shoe and the issues that come with that aspiration.
Pros and Cons
There are pros and cons with every shoe. Here are those associated with Nike.
Pros
It has a long history developing shoes and shoes like the Pegasus are based on years of improvements. Quality is assured.
They have a huge range of options across all shoe types
Research and development is an important part of the business, especially in their racing shoes.
Their top shoes, like the Vaporfly and Alphafly, feature carbon fiber plates in the midsole, which generates maximum energy return from the thick foam midsole.
Cons
Its reputation allows it to charge a premium on its shoes.
They can be hard to find. Many small independent running stores no longer have access to Nike running shoes.
Most popular models
Nike Pegasus 40
The go to shoe for neutral runners for many years, the latest version has improved comfort in the arch and toes. It has a full-length platform of React foam cushioning.
Nike Invincible 3
This is a stability shoe with high-support technology, with the cushion and stability intentionally placed and shaped to protect your foot from the effects of pronation.
Nike Vaporfly 3
This is the lightweight racing shoe that the running world is talking about. Not just for elites, it's becoming the shoe of choice for faster runners looking to trim minutes off their times.
Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit 4
A stable, neutral shoe with lots of cushioning, this one is targeted at new runners or for those shorter runs at the start of a training programme.
Nike Pegasus Trail 4
One of many Nike trail shoes it has enhanced traction and increased durability and an outsole that ensures a strong grip. The rubber covers the heel, forefoot, and midfoot.
On the up?
Nike is the world's largest supplier of athletic footwear, with nearly 80,000 employees across the world and revenues in 2022 of $49.1 billion. It is valued at $185.1 billion. Over the years it has constantly acquired and divest other business in order to constantly diversify its product offering. These include a footwear company, Cole Haan, Bauer Hockey, Converse and Hurley International. Only Converse remains and in line with their approach to innovation the most recent purchases have focused on data analysis, including Zodiac and Datalogue. Nike also purchased RTFKT Studios, a virtual shoe company that makes non fungible tokens, another nod to potential directions for the future.
Its position in the fashion world is unquestioned and with its international and digital expansions, it's unlikely that Nike will be going anywhere but up. Its distribution policy for its running shoes however may hinder the growth of this section as fewer new runners will be introduced to them when they first get into the sport. Runners are very loyal to the first brand they are introduced to and if they go to their local independent running store it's unlikely they will see Nike shoes. They are now sold through bigger chains and direct from Nike outlets that are much less focused on running shoes. Will this impact their position in the running space in years to come?
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