Brand Histories

By Armaan

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Nike:

1964: Blue Ribbon Sports, founded by Bill Bowerman and Phil Knight, starts selling Japanese running shoes in the US. The first official store opens in Santa Monica, California, in 1966.
1971: The iconic Nike name and swoosh logo are born, leading to the opening of the first Nike-branded store in Beaverton, Oregon, in 1978.
1990s: Nike expands globally, opening flagship stores in major cities like London, Paris, and Tokyo.
2000s: Nike continues to open stores worldwide, including factory stores offering discounted merchandise. Their online store launches in 1999, further expanding their reach.
Today: Nike boasts a vast network of official stores, flagship locations, and factory outlets, offering a diverse selection of sneakers, apparel, and accessories.

Adidas:

1948: Adi Dassler founds Adidas in Herzogenaurach, Germany, initially focusing on football boots. The first Adidas store opens in the same town in 1949.
1960s: Adidas expands internationally and sponsors major sporting events, increasing brand recognition.
1970s: The iconic Adidas Originals line is launched, leading to the opening of dedicated stores in select cities.
1990s: Adidas expands its retail presence globally, opening flagship stores in major cities like New York City and London.
Today: Adidas has a large network of official stores, including flagship locations and Originals stores, offering a wide range of sneakers, apparel, and sporting goods.

Jordan Brand:

1984: Michael Jordan signs with Nike, leading to the launch of the Air Jordan line in 1985.
1997: The first Jordan Brand store opens in Chicago, dedicated solely to Air Jordans and other Jordan-branded products.
2000s: Jordan Brand opens additional stores in select cities and becomes a major force in the sneaker industry.
Today: Jordan Brand stores operate within select Nike flagship stores and premium retailers, offering a curated selection of Air Jordans and other Jordan Brand products.

Puma:

1948: Rudolf Dassler, brother of Adi Dassler, founds Puma in Herzogenaurach, Germany, also focusing on football boots. The first Puma store opens in the same town in 1949.
1970s: Puma gains popularity in the US and partners with athletes like Pelé and Tommie Smith.
1990s: Puma expands its retail presence globally and launches collaborations with fashion brands.
Today: Puma has a network of official stores worldwide, including flagship locations, offering a variety of sneakers, apparel, and accessories.

New Balance:

1906: William J. Riley founds New Balance in Boston, Massachusetts, initially producing arch supports. The first New Balance store opens in the same city in 1927.
1960s: New Balance focuses on running shoes and gains popularity among marathoners.
1980s: New Balance expands its product line and opens additional stores in the US.
2000s: New Balance collaborates with fashion brands and celebrities, increasing its popularity with younger generations.
Today: New Balance has a growing network of official stores worldwide, including flagship locations, offering its signature comfortable and stylish sneakers.

Asics:

1949: Kihachiro Onitsuka founds Onitsuka Tiger in Kobe, Japan, initially producing basketball shoes. The first Onitsuka Tiger store opens in the same city in 1950.
1970s: Onitsuka Tiger merges with GTO and JELENk to form ASICS Corporation.
1980s: Asics focuses on performance running shoes and sponsors major sporting events.
1990s: Asics expands its retail presence globally and opens flagship stores in select cities.
Today: Asics has a network of official stores worldwide, including flagship locations, offering a variety of performance and lifestyle sneakers.

Converse:

1908: Marquis Mills Converse founds the Converse Rubber Shoe Company in Malden, Massachusetts, initially producing rubber-soled boots. The first Converse store opens in the same city in 1910.
1920s: The iconic Chuck Taylor All-Star basketball shoe is launched.
1970s: Converse becomes a symbol of counterculture and rock music.