The Nike Free was a groundbreaking running shoe released in 2004, designed to mimic the biomechanics of barefoot running. The brainchild of designers Tobie Hatfield and Eric Avar, the Nike Free was the outcome of extensive research conducted at Stanford University, observing athletes running barefoot on grass. With its innovative design, featuring a flexible outsole with deep sipes for multi-directional flexibility, the shoe allowed for natural foot movements, providing runners a more minimalistic running experience. Collaborations with designers and brands, such as Matthew M. Williams and UNDERCOVER, have led to creative reinterpretations of the Nike Free, keeping the model relevant and popular in both sports and fashion realms. Its enduring legacy lies in its transformative approach to running shoe design, promoting the idea of natural motion in athletic footwear.
About the Brand
Nike was founded in 1964 by University of Oregon track coach Bill Bowerman and his former student Phil Knight, initially operating under the name Blue Ribbon Sports as a distributor of Japanese running shoes. In 1971, the company rebranded as Nike, inspired by the Greek goddess of victory, and introduced the Swoosh logo, symbolizing speed and movement. Nike revolutionized athletic footwear with the development of Air cushioning technology in 1979, which provided superior shock absorption and energy return and became a defining feature in iconic products like the Air Force 1 and Air Max series. The Air Jordan line, launched in 1984 through a partnership with basketball legend Michael Jordan, bridged the gap between sports performance and lifestyle, becoming a cultural phenomenon and increasing Nike's popularity. Through continued innovation and collaborations with designers and brands such as Virgil Abloh's Off-White and Supreme, Nike has solidified its position as a leader in both athletic and fashion markets.
