Chapter 1
The brotherly feud that split a town
Chapter 2
A waffle iron and a thirty-five dollar logo
Chapter 3
The airborne contract that changed sports forever
Chapter 4
From the running tracks to the concrete streets
YOUR GOAL
Master of How the swoosh ran circles around the three stripes
Ch 2 · A waffle iron and a thirty-five dollar logo
adidas Origins of the Swoosh
We poured rubber in a waffle iron to build a better tread, Then drew a thirty-five dollar swoosh and sprinted straight ahead.
adidas Liquid urethane pours into a glowing metal waffle iron under dramatic warm light
Fun Fact
The Nike Swoosh: Designer Carolyn Davidson was originally paid just thirty-five dollars, but was later gifted Nike stock now worth millions of dollars.
Glossary
swoosh (noun)
A swift rushing movement or sound. In 1971, student Carolyn Davidson designed Nike's iconic checkmark emblem for a payment of $35.
A swift rushing movement or sound. In 1971, student Carolyn Davidson designed Nike's iconic checkmark emblem for a payment of $35.
Quiz
What was the original name of Nike when it was founded by Phil Knight and Bill Bowerman in 1964?
Quiz
How much was student Carolyn Davidson paid in 1971 to design the iconic Nike Swoosh logo?
Quiz
Which former NASA aerospace engineer proposed the idea of using air-cushioned soles to Nike in 1977?
Quiz
Which Japanese shoe brand did Blue Ribbon Sports originally import to the United States?
Quiz
What household appliance did Bill Bowerman ruin in 1971 while trying to create a grippier shoe sole?