**The History of Nike’s Greatest Sneakers**
Nike’s story starts with track coach Bill Bowerman and his former student, Phil Knight. In the 1950s, Bowerman experimented with designing better running shoes while coaching at the University of Oregon. By 1964, he and Knight launched Blue Ribbon Sports, initially selling Japanese sneakers in the U.S. But with their own ideas brewing, they rebranded as Nike, Inc. in 1971—named after the Greek goddess of victory—to create their own footwear.
### A Quick Look at Iconic Nike Sneakers:
– **Cortez** – Late 1960s
– **Air Force 1** – 1982
– **Air Superfly** – 2000
– **V2K** – 2023
– **Air Jordan 1** – 1985
– **Field General** – 1982
– **Pacific** – 2025
– **Shox TL** – 2003
– **LD-1000** – 1977
– **Air Pegasus** – 1982
– **Gato** – 2011
– **Air Max Muse** – 2024
– **Nike x Bode Rec.** – 2024
– **Nike x Isamaya Ffrench** – 2024
One of Nike’s earliest hits was the **Cortez**, a shoe Bowerman had refined for years. Its cushioned midsole was revolutionary, making it a favorite among runners for its lightweight, durable, and stylish design—complete with the now-iconic Swoosh. When Farrah Fawcett wore them in *Charlie’s Angels*, the Cortez became more than just a running shoe—it turned into a cultural staple that’s still beloved today.
The 1980s saw Nike explode with legendary designs like the **Air Force 1** (1982) and **Air Jordan 1** (1985). The Air Force 1 redefined basketball sneakers and remains a bestseller, while the Air Jordan 1 marked the start of athlete collaborations, thanks to Michael Jordan. Both styles became symbols of basketball culture in the ’90s.
Though the **Air Max 1** debuted in 1987, the Air Max line truly took off in the ’90s with its visible air cushioning. The 2000s brought even more innovation, with performance-driven yet stylish shoes like the **Superfly (2000)**, **Shox (2000)**, and **Shox TL (2003)**.
Today, Nike remains a global leader, blending cutting-edge sportswear with fashion-forward collaborations. In 2024, the **Nike x Bode Rec.** collection sold out instantly, while a partnership with makeup artist **Isamaya Ffrench** showcased the brand’s versatility. By honoring its roots while pushing forward, Nike stays timeless.
Below, explore the origins of Nike’s greatest sneakers.
### **Cortez**
One of Nike’s first sneakers, the Cortez was perfected by Bowerman in the ’60s but gained fame after Nike’s 1971 launch. Its cushioned midsole set it apart, making it one of the decade’s top running shoes. With endorsements from stars like Farrah Fawcett, Whitney Houston, and *Forrest Gump*, it became a cultural icon.Nike Cortez sneakers have maintained their cultural significance over the decades and remain a retro favorite among fashion editors today.
**Nike Cortez Sneakers**
$90 – Nordstrom
$113 – Amazon
$90 – Shopbop
**Nike Cortez Sneakers**
$90 – Nordstrom
$90 – Net-a-Porter
$90 – Nike
### **Air Force 1**
Introduced in 1982, the Air Force 1 was Nike’s first basketball sneaker of its kind. Designer Bruce Kilgore took inspiration from hiking boots, incorporating air-cushioned technology to ensure comfort during intense movement. While it was a hit on the court, it also became one of Nike’s most popular lifestyle sneakers, remaining a bestseller to this day. Available in various heights and colorways, new releases constantly excite sneakerheads, but the classic white version remains a fashion favorite for its versatility.
**Nike Air Force 1 ’07 Sneakers**
$115 – Nordstrom
$115 – Shopbop
$115 – Nike
**Nike Air Force 1 ’07 Sneakers**
$115 – Nike
### **Air Superfly**
Originally launched in 2000, the Air Superfly was relaunched by Nike in 2025 to much excitement. This sleek, minimalist runner for women features a low-profile design that hugs the foot comfortably while remaining lightweight. The relaunch included a metallic silver colorway, sparking a trend in the sneaker world. Models and fashion enthusiasts alike have embraced it as a studio-to-street option—supportive for workouts yet stylish enough to pair with dresses, T-shirts, jeans, or trousers.
**Nike Air Superfly Sneakers**
$100 – Net-a-Porter
$100 – Farfetch
**Nike Air Superfly Sneakers**
$152 – Farfetch
### **V2K**
Debuting in 2003, the V2K has become a sensation in both sports and fashion circles. Inspired by Nike’s iconic Vomero running sneaker, this vintage-inspired silhouette captures the early 2000s aesthetic, aligning with the popular “dad sneaker” trend. With a mesh upper, metallic accents, and a chunky sole for traction, it’s not just a comfortable running shoe—it’s also a stylish off-duty essential, as seen on Jennifer Lawrence and Kaia Gerber.
**Nike V2K Run Sneakers**
$120 – Nordstrom
$120 – Shopbop
$120 – Nike
**Nike V2K Run Sneakers**
$120 – Net-a-Porter
$120 – Nike
### **Air Jordan 1**
Released in 1985, the Air Jordan 1 debuted on Michael Jordan himself, marking the beginning of a legendary partnership with Nike. As the first multi-color sneaker worn in the NBA, it sparked controversy before becoming a streetwear staple. Its cultural impact endures today, with celebrities like Bella Hadid and Hailey Bieber incorporating it into their wardrobes. Available in high and low-top versions, the Air Jordan 1 remains a timeless icon.
**Nike Air Jordan 1 Low Sneakers**
$115 – Nordstrom
$115 – Net-a-Porter
**Nike Air Jordan 1 Retro OG Sneakers**
$180 – Net-a-Porter
### **Field General**
Originally designed for quarterbacks in 1982, the Field General was a football favorite worn by iconic athletes. In 2024, Nike re-released this archival sneaker, capitalizing on the growing demand for vintage-inspired trainers. While many now wear them as lifestyle shoes, the Waffle sole—an original innovation by Nike co-founder Bill Bowerman—still delivers the grip that athletes need.
**Nike Field General Sneakers**
$100 – Nordstrom
$100 – Net-a-Porter
$100 – Shopbop
**Nike Field General Sneakers**
$120 – Net-a-Porter
$120 – Nike
### **Pacific**
Drawing inspiration from classic ’70s styles like the Cortez and LD-1000, the Pacific is a new addition to Nike’s lineup, launching in 2025. This low-profile runner features contrasting laces, a prominent Swoosh logo, and a gum sole for traction—a nod to the brand’s retro roots. Choose bold colorways like blue or pink, or stick to timeless classics for a fresh yet nostalgic look.Here’s a cleaner, more natural version of your text:
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**Nike Pacific Sneakers**
A fresh take on the classic white sneaker, these go with everything—from a blazer and jeans to a breezy summer dress.
**Price:** $75
**Available at:** Nordstrom, Nike, Shopbop
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**Nike Shox TL**
Inspired by space-age design, the Shox line launched in 2000 with groundbreaking cushioning for maximum bounce. The Shox TL arrived in 2003 with an even more futuristic look, keeping its signature piston-like soles. Available in white, brown, green, and more, it’s a timeless style built for the future.
**Price:** $170
**Available at:** Nordstrom, Nike
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**Nike LD-1000**
Debuting in 1977, this retro runner was made for long-distance athletes, featuring a flared heel for stability and Nike’s iconic waffle sole for grip. Today’s version mixes leather and textiles for breathability, with colorways that stay true to its vintage roots.
**Price:** $100–$110
**Available at:** Net-a-Porter, Shopbop, SSENSE, Nike
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**Nike Air Pegasus 2005**
First released in 1982, the Pegasus remains a favorite thanks to its Nike Air cushioning—originally focused at the heel for better impact absorption. The 2005 revival keeps the classic “dad shoe” silhouette, offering unbeatable support for running or everyday wear.
**Price:** $150
**Available at:** Nike, Nordstrom
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**Nike Gato**
Originally a 2011 indoor soccer shoe, the Gato gained a cult following among skaters for its grippy gum soles. Supreme even collaborated on a version in 2018. Today’s styles come in leather and suede, with bold color-blocking that sneakerheads love.
**Price:** $110
**Available at:** Net-a-Porter, Revolve
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**Nike Air Max Muse**
The Air Max line’s visible cushioning debuted in 1987, and the 2024 Muse iteration keeps the legacy alive with a modern high-arch design. Worn by athletes like Jordan Chiles and Qinwen Zheng, it blends performance tech with street-ready style.
**Price:** $160
**Available at:** Nordstrom, Revolve, Nike
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**Nike Collaborations**
From Michael Jordan to Serena Williams, Nike’s athlete partnerships are legendary. But their brand collabs—like Supreme, Bode Rec., and makeup artist Isamaya Ffrench—keep pushing boundaries. Bode’s reimagined 1974 Astrograbber drops in 2025, while Ffrench’s Air Max DN redesign caters to today’s female athletes and fans.
**Nike x Bode Astrograbber:** $165 (Net-a-Porter)
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