*Edited on 2/28/22: This article was written prior to knowledge of Nike’s inhumane practices toward factory workers: including unsafe working conditions and unpaid wages. We recognize the injustice of these acts and we are not purchasing from Nike until they acknowledge and correct their crimes.
I recently read about the creation of Nike by its founder, Phil Knight. His memoir Shoe Dog details Nike’s beginnings in Knight’s tiny bedroom to the day the company went public in 1980.
It was a fascinating look into Knight’s early determination to make Japanese running shoes the top American export over German running shoes. At the time of Nike’s conception, Adidas had a monopoly on the market which Knight slowly overtook.
The book isn’t without its flaws. There’s a lurking stench of the “old boys’ club” mentality that pollutes many anecdotes.
There’s also a strong patriotism that seems unwarranted since none of America’s true history is spoken on. It’s a reminder that many of the most telling stories probably aren’t shared here.
Still, I learned a few lessons from Shoe Dog and it was a quick read – I suggest it to entrepreneurs for inspiration.
Image courtesy of simonandschuster.com
Lessons from Nike’s Beginnings
One of the most memorable takeaways from the book came from Knight’s business partner Bill Bowerman; Bowerman believed everybody was an athlete. The statement wholly describes the essence of Nike today.
They make athletic footwear and apparel for everyone; “true athletes” or otherwise. Borrowing heavily from streetwear trends, Nike has transformed itself from an athletic brand to a luxury one. Not only can you expect them to produce clothes to work out in, but they offer clothes to lead meetings in as well.
Their most recent collection of apparel is the stuff of dreams. I recently visited their store in downtown Chicago and saw many of the gorgeous styles in person. In fact, my partner bought me an incredible pair of pants there!
The pants are a part of Nike’s Jordan New Classic Capsule Collection. They’re wide-leg, khaki-colored, and made of a gorgeous thick, stretchy material. From calf down, there’s a statement grey panel with snaps to adjust to your preference. Finished with the Air Jordan logo on the front right pocket and “JORDAN” embroidered on the back, these pants are a dream!
Nike singlehandedly transformed an athletic pant into something else entirely; a luxury item. The uniform once reserved for race tracks has filtered into the world of high fashion!
While the track pant is certainly not the only apparel they’ve brought to the chic mainstream, it’s my current favorite; and other brands too.
ROKH and Golden Goose (to name a few) offer their own luxury versions:
ROKH Tracksuit Trousers
Golden Goose Star Collection Wide-Leg Track Pants
Lucky for Nike, it’s an easy shift to high-fashion athletic apparel when your brand specializes in the more accessible variety. And with the popularity of streetwear, Nike capitalized on a wave that speaks to many different audiences.
Thank you to all the Black and Brown creators who made streetwear what it is today. Without you, we would never have Nike’s chic track pant.
Other Pants We Love: