Chapter 1
The breakfast table breakthrough
Chapter 2
Designing a legendary identity
Chapter 3
The art of the cultural endorsement
Chapter 4
Engineering the future of flight
YOUR GOAL
Master of How a ruined waffle iron launched the Nike empire
Ch 1 · The breakfast table breakthrough
nike The Nike Waffle Sole
Waffle iron groove! Waffle iron groove! Poured the rubber in the kitchen just to make us move!
nike Liquid polyurethane pours into a vintage metal waffle iron under dramatic warm light.
Fun Fact
Waffle iron ruin: Bill Bowerman forgot to use a release agent, permanently gluing his wife's waffle iron shut during his first experiment.
Glossary
waffle iron (noun)
A kitchen appliance with two textured, hinged metal plates used to cook batter into waffles. In 1971, Bill Bowerman used his wife's appliance to mold a lightweight athletic shoe sole.
A kitchen appliance with two textured, hinged metal plates used to cook batter into waffles. In 1971, Bill Bowerman used his wife's appliance to mold a lightweight athletic shoe sole.
Quiz
What model of car trunk did Phil Knight sell shoes from in the early days of Blue Ribbon Sports?
Quiz
Which Japanese brand did Blue Ribbon Sports originally import and distribute in the United States?
Quiz
What material did Bill Bowerman pour into his wife's waffle iron during his famous 1971 experiment?
Quiz
How much money did Phil Knight and Bill Bowerman each invest to start Blue Ribbon Sports in 1964?