FC Barcelona unveil new Nike home kit for 2016 / 2017 season

FC Barcelona have unveiled their home jersey for the upcoming 2016 / 2017 season on Instagram and Daily Motion with Andres Iniesta, Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Gerard Pique and Neymar.

The Catalans have been in a bit of a bubble recently with Qatar Airways pulling out as their shirt sponsor and with Nike pushing Barcelona to release the jersey in time for pre-season and global shipping, the club have decided to release the new kit without a shirt sponsor.

With a small video on Instagram, the club revealed that they've based the design on one of their retro designs that won them the European Cup. "Colors to make history. A jersey to celebrate it. Introducing the new kit inspired by the 91/92 season, when FCB Barcelona conquered their first European Cup 25 years ago," read the description on the social media portal.

Coming to the kit itself, the Catalans have reverted to stripes after experimenting with hoops last season. This time, however, much like their retro design, the stripes are thick and only five are needed to cover the front torso of a player with three blue ones and two red ones in between.

Nike – who just signed a 10-year deal with the club paying a staggering €100m-a-year – have kept things simple with no messing around with the sleeves and the collar. For the shirt sponsor, Barcelona have reportedly spoken to the likes of Pepsi and more but have repeatedly been rebuffed with their demands often exceeding the offer at Nike Air Max hommes.

The jersey is sported by Neymar in the short video which, to some degree, clarifies Barcelona's stand on the Brazilian. With reported offers from Manchester United and Paris Saint Germain on the table, the former Santos man's future has been shrouded in doubt with neither party – him and the club – throwing light on the situation.

These Raw Meat Nike Sneakers Will Horrify Vegetarians

Beware, vegetarians. A pair of new Raw Meat sneakers from Nike will turn your stomach. Nike SB Dunk High Premium skateboarding shoes in Challenge Red look like they’re made out of marbleized steak.

The bright red sneaker features a marbleized fat pattern that’s inspired sneaker freaks to compare it to Wagyu beef, a white swoosh, red or white shoelaces, a red sole, and an insole with a butcher’s stamp pronouncing the sneakers “FRESH QUALITY.”

A pair will set you back $110.

Interestingly, it appears the Nike.com website doesn’t bill the sneakers as raw meat-inspired. Instead, the reference has appeared on blogs across the sneaker-sphere. While it seems that Nike doesn’t directly bill the Raw Meat sneaker as such, if you plug “meat” into the site’s search box, it takes you directly to the seemingly meat-inspired shoe page.

Perhaps Nike didn’t want to offend its vegetarian and vegan consumers? Or maybe, as with the rest of the Dunk line, they leave the insoles to speak for the sneaker itself.

This isn’t the first time that Nike has done a Dunk-style food homage. In April, the company launched Nike SB Dunk High Premium Waffle. The Chicken and Waffles-themed shoe features a waffled exterior, a buttery swoosh dripping with maple syrup, and Chicken and Waffle insoles.


There’s also the Nike SB Dunk Low Premium Cold Pizza model. It’s silver on the outside, has a black swoosh, and the insoles make it look like you’re walking on leftover pizza. They’re $100.

Nike describes it as “a unique look inspired by the traditional cuisine of street skaters.”

Previously, Nike has found itself repeated in real meat form. There’s a raw meat swoosh, a Nike Meat Air, and a Nike pate. Several years ago, Nike commissioned a group of creatives to recreate Nikes, and designer Olle Hemmendorff built a pair of undefinedNike Air Max into a sandwich at Nike Air Max soldes.

Recently, Nike released a shoe that looked like a Starbucks drink but wasn’t and gave away pairs of a special edition version of Cleveland Cavalier point guard Kyrie Irving Kyrie 2 sneakers called Ky-rispy Kreme in Krispy Kreme boxes.

Adweek sniffs at the entire sneaker-and-food effort: “It falls in line with a recent trend of apparel brands making junk-food-themed stuff, which in and of itself is kind of embarrassing.”

If it’s all too much, one can always go watch Werner Herzog eat his shoe.

Nike Football Presents the Science Of Speed

All eyes are on Milan this weekend, as the Italian city hosts club football’s biggest match. To celebrate the occasion, members of the Nike Football App are invited to take part in the ultimate football experience — the "Science of Speed." Located in the heart of Milan, the space is dedicated to the philosophy of fast, brilliant football and showcases the very latest torso-to-toe product innovations, including the new Mercurial Superfly V.

Celebrated locally for his career at Inter Milan, where he cemented reputation as the finest striker in the world, Ronaldo Luís Nazário de Lima, also know as "El Fenómeno" or "R9,” was one of the first players to wear the Mercurial boots back in 1998. R9’s history in the line made him the perfect choice to open the "Science of Speed,” and he kicked off proceedings by presenting the first pair of the latest Mercurial Superfly V to its delighted new owner.

“Speed has always defined my style of play,” declares Ronaldo, whose brilliant skill and goal scoring sparked the imagination of an entire generation of players “and this enabled me to make the difference in the most decisive moments on pitch. Mercurial was designed to enhance the speed and attacking play of athletes like myself and Cristiano Ronaldo.”

“Ronaldo and Cristiano Ronaldo are the two fastest strikers of the modern era in football,” legendary Italian defender Fabio Cannavaro declares. “Speed – allied to extraordinary technique – is the quality they have most in common Nike Air Max soldes.”

The "Science of Speed" journey encapsulates a series of exclusive experiences and begins in an area dedicated to the Genealogy of Mercurial. Since 1998, the boot has been engineered to be lightweight and fast. The design evolution is expressed in all its versions.

Nike Football members who visit the space will also have opportunity to personalize their own Mercurial Superfly V’s on NIKEiD, take part in a virtual race against Cristiano Ronaldo and participate in training sessions led by FC Inter Milan coaches.

Nigeria: Cheers for Nike Okundaye At 65

On May 23, the internationally acclaimed textile artist and culture promoter, Chief Mrs. Nike Okundaye, turned 65. As part of the celebrations, her gallery, Nike Art Gallery will mark a mini-festival for art writers and artists at large. This will be followed by a one week art exhibition.


"I thank God for my life. Though, the challenge is there, which we face every day, but an opportunity like this affords one to look back and thank God for what he has done for me. That is why this kind of event is dear to my heart. Apart from that, I am using it to appreciate my maker for his mercies and kindness. I also want to use it to host my colleagues in the arts," Okundaye declared in a press release announcing the scheduled celebrations.

The Kogi State-born artist is also thankful to artists who have contributed immensely in making her life as a gallery owner successful.

"What I have achieved is also because I stayed focused to this goal and my love for the arts. I also want to advise our younger artists that things may not look good today, but they should continue at Nike Air Max hommes

Challenges are things that drive us to our ultimate destiny. What I am doing with this year's birthday is not just to celebrate but to appreciate God for my life. As a matter of fact, I started my sojourn into arts when I was just six and had nothing. Having lost my mother in life early in life that challenge did not stop me and that is why I will always celebrate what God has done for me," she added.

Born on May 23, 1951, Nike is the CEO, Nike Centre for Art and Culture, Osogbo, where she offers training free of charge to Nigerians in various forms of arts. In 1996, as a way of empowering Ogidi women, she established a textile weaving centre in her home town. More than 200 women have so far benefited from that initiative. She also brings important foreign dignitaries to her hometown annually.

Nike Puts Anchor In Revitalizing Downtown Detroit By Opening 'Community Store' on Woodward

Nike NKE -0.27% has become the latest big brand willing to put a stake in the renaissance of downtown Detroit, with the opening today of its Nike Detroit Community Store in one of the old iconic retail buildings of the Motor City.

The Oregon-based athletic and lifestyle brand means to pitch into the reinvigoration of central Detroit with the opening of a 20,000-square-foot space in the former F.W. Woolworth Co. building on Woodward WWD +0.03% Avenue, smack inside the corridor that is being redeveloped by money men such as Dan Gilbert and Michael Ilitch — and within a Ruthian home-run ball’s distance of Comerica CMA -0.38% Park, Ford Field and the new Red Wings arena.

Nike’s only owned outlet in the greater area has been a “factory store” in an outlet mall in suburban Auburn Hills, Mich., 35 miles away from downtown. It was time for the company known for a strong corporate-responsibility streak to do right by Detroit.

“As we looked at timing and availability and the economics of putting in a store, we’re looking at and anticipating future growth and traffic and what we think the demographics are going to be,” Christiana Shi, president of Nike Global Direct-to-Consumer, told me. “We’d rather come a little early or right on time than a little late. And we felt the time was right in Nike Air Max soldes.”

As a Community Store, the new Nike outlet will have a few more bottom lines than just generating sales and profits for the company. The downtown Detroit store also is intended to serve as a significant employer and as another catalyst to a regeneration of the surrounding area through involvement with local schools and the contribution of many hours of volunteer time by Nike employees. It’s also meant to spur athletic involvement of the citizenry and will explore relationships with the many professional and collegiate sports teams in the immediate vicinity and throughout Michigan.

“It serves a particular role in our [store] portfolio and in our communities,” Shi explained. “We develop sport, and provide employment opportunities, in given communities and serve consumers by giving them access to Nike products and services. So we don’t locate these stores in outlet malls, which are hard to get to with cars. Or in traditional power-retailing centers. We put them right in communities, and we’re pretty selective about where we do it. Typically we’ll be one of the earliest movers in an area where retail is accelerating; we are part of that.”

New Nike Community Store in Detroit Champions Action

Detroit’s automotive history may have earned it the nickname Motor City, but the city is also renowned for a strong sports engine, fueled by a championship legacy of professional teams and local youth clubs, that never stops running. The May 26 opening of the Nike Detroit Community Store aims to both power and accelerate this legacy.

Nestled in downtown’s historic F.W. Woolworth Co. building, at 1261 Woodward Avenue, the space was once home to the eponymous pioneer of the five-and-dime stores, which converted the complex into a significant shopping destination at the turn of the century. More than 100 years later, Detroit is focused on reinvigorating the area by reanimating vacant buildings as businesses and residences, introducing a light rail that connects the neighborhood to the bustling midtown and developing a shopping and entertainment complex across the street from the Detroit Community Store. Plus, a world-class hockey arena will soon open just a few paces away.

As with other Nike Community Stores, the new space operates with four key goals in mind. The first is the aim to hire at least 80 percent of its team from within a five-mile radius of the location. In some locations, like at the Nike East Los Community Store in Los Angeles, this number is virtually 100 percent.

The second goal is to capture the spirit of the city with the store’s curated local design and product offerings. In the Detroit store, the walls feature photography of local sport courts and landmarks, including the Decquindre Cut Greenway and "Detroit Never Stops" artwork by local typographer Neil Tasker. The store also carries Detroit-specific t-shirt's and team apparel from the Detroit Lions, Detroit Tigers and Michigan State University for men, women and kids.

Thirdly, the store distinguishes itself by ensuring that its retail associates, known as “store athletes,” have an opportunity to give back to the surrounding community. In addition to the hours dedicated to community by all stores as part of une paire de nike, Community Store athletes are allocated additional volunteer hours to support groups in their backyard.

In fact, even before the store opened, the Detroit team was focused on engaging its community by volunteering with the local Boys & Girls Club chapter: the Diehl Club. Store athletes have been supporting the organization’s sport, recreation and fitness programming, including the chapter’s flag football program, as coaches and rec leaders, with plans to expand its community involvement further following the store opening.

Finally, beyond its on-ground community activation, the Detroit Community Store is the first Nike Community Store to offer $40,000 in annual grants of $5,000 each to eight local non-profit groups via the expanded Nike Community Impact Fund, which also includes Nike Community Stores in Portland, Ore., South Chicago, New Orleans, the Ivy City neighborhood of Washington D.C., Brooklyn and the East Los Community Store in East Los Angeles. In total, Community Store teams across the U.S. will award $290,000 each year in their communities in partnership with CAF America and the Oregon Community Foundation.

Release Reminder: Nike Kobe 11 Mark Parker

Following Eric Avar and Tinker Hatfield’s iterations, the last variation of the Nike Kobe 11 from the special edition “Muse” trilogy is scheduled to arrive tomorrow.

With this particular pair designed by the Swoosh’s C.E.O, Mark Parker, the basketball sneaker’s theme essentially takes cues from Bryant’s infamous moniker — The Black Mamba.

Flaunting a mixture of black and blue lagoon across its intricately woven upper, the knitted component bears a subtle snake skin-like texture to evoke the ferocious snake. Tonal black reptilian detailing are prominent on the leather heel tab to further coordinate with the theme, while more leather accents graces the tongue.

Finished off with contrasting white Swooshes across its side panels and a full length sole unit, you can purchase this pair at une paire de nike stores, May 26 for $200.

Out of the three pairs, this is the second best colorway. I liked Tinker’s creation to the most. Overall, I’m a fan of the silhouette and this should get some attention, especially since Bryant retired this year.

Vachetta Tan Covers The Nike Air Pegasus ’83 Premium

The classic Nike Air Pegasus ’83 receives a stylish and premium makeover for its latest iteration this Spring 2016, as the iconic runner is treated in Vachetta Tan.

Straying from its usual mesh/nylon construction, the low-top is composed of smooth suede instead, with the defining hue prominent across the entire component, tongue and laces. Another notable design detail consists of lasered perforations across the toe box and side panels to increase ventilation.

All offset nicely atop a crisp white midsole unit, a gum outsole provides a complementing touch to perfectly coordinate with its respective colorway.

Finished off with gold lace tips and embossed branding on the heel tab, you can purchase this model at une paire de nike stores overseas first.

A stateside release should be imminent.

Like I said before, I’m a sucker for runners and especially in this colorway. I haven’t bought this silhouette in a while and this pair will most likely be my newest pickup.

It’s Not Too Late To Pick Up The Latest Colorways Of The Nike Dunk High Be True Pack

There were several Air Jordan/Nike releases to choose from this weekend. One of the drops that appeared to fly under the radar is was the Nike Dunk High Be True To Your School pack. When I initially saw the images of both pair, the first thing that caught my eye was the quality of the leather used on the uppers. It’s been a cool minute since I’ve seen a Nike Dunk look this good material-wise, which is the main reason I’m surprised these didn’t sell out in a matter of minutes.

With that being said, both the Nike Dunk High UNLV coming in Red and Grey and the Nike Dunk Michigan rocking the Navy and Yellow look are readily available at select retailers such as BSTN for. If quality is your thing, I highly suggest you pick these up. Don’t sleep on these classic colorways.


In addition to the UNLV colorway, the Nike Dunk High that was inspired by the University of Michigan has also hit retailers on une paire de nike

This Dunk uses the popular blue and gold color scheme and is composed out of a premium buttery leather throughout the entire upper with Varsity Maize landing on the toe, side panels, ankle, heel and tongue. Contrasting Midnight Navy can then be seen on the Swoosh and Nike Air branding, inner liner, outsole and the overlays.

Available now at select Nike retailers for $120, will you be rocking these Michigan Dunks this Summer?


I’m a big fan of the blue and gold combination because I attended UC Riverside and those are our school colors. This is a very clean Nike Dunk, plus the quality of the leather also looks great.

Nike Has Tapped Balmain's Olivier Rousteing For A Football Collection

Football just got glam; like Balmain black and gold glam. Following on from three seasons partnering with Riccardo Tisci, Nike has announced it is teaming up with French fashion designer Olivier Rousteing for the latest in its NikeLab Summer of Sport series.

As a result, the Balmain creative director – who caused riots and almost broke the resale market with his H&M collab last year – has created a range of functional sportswear pieces for both men and women.

You only have to look as far as the matching T-shirt, shorts, joggers and jackets, detailed with gold trims, zippers, drawstrings and eyelets, to see the collection is unmistakably Rousteing. However, it’s the footwear that has us throwing money at our computer screens already, with new versions of Nike’s Magista, Mercurial, Tiempo and Hypervenom trainers scheduled to drop.

What does a Kardashian-befriending fashion designer know about designing football kit you ask? Apart from revealing he played the beautiful game himself as a young boy, the results speak for Nike Air Max hommes.

The NikeLab x Olivier Rousteing: Football Nouveau collection will be available from June 2 online and at select NikeLab stores, priced from £55.

Who Is Nike's Favorite Customer?

Nike (NYSE:NKE) has ruled over the sports apparel universe for the past generation. The Nike swoosh has become one of the most recognized logos around the world, rising to the top alongside Michael Jordan, the athlete and icon most associated with the sneaker-maker. Today, the company is a juggernaut worth nearly $100 billion, and it continues to put up strong growth numbers. So with billions of dollars in annual revenue, who is Nike's favorite customer? That depends how you look at the question. It's all about the kicks The most obvious answer would be the sneakerhead. This a collector of rare, classic, limited-edition and other sneakers, who treats shoes much in a way that others treat wine or art. You might see these people sitting outside your local Modell's or Foot Locker (NYSE:FL) in lawn chairs overnight waiting to get their hands on the latest pair of limited-release Air Jordans. Often, these folks are just looking to resell a few pairs online, because the secondary shoe market -- like the secondary wine or art market -- is big business, and Nike intentionally fuels it through artificial une paire de nike. Resale value for such shoes is often in the thousands of the dollars. These sneakers generally retail for between $150 and $275, meaning Nike's profit might be much slimmer than that of the resellers, though still sizable. But it's a symbiotic relationship for both parties. Scarcity fuels outsized demand for these sneakers and imbues them with a sense of coolness and desirability that might not exist if Nike made more of them or raised its prices. The result is a relationship between a brand and customers that is unique in the footwear world and special within fashion. The sneakerheads drive high-margin sales for Nike and more importantly, maintain the appeal of its brand, especially the Air Jordan, which essentially ignited the sneakerhead phenomenon. The fairer sex While sneakerheads may be Nike's most loyal customer segment, the one it has been targeting the most in recent years seems to be women. With the popularity of "athleisure" wear and the emergence of brands like Lululemon Athletica, bigger companies have come to recognize the potential of the women's market. Sales of women's gear rose 15% last year, or 20% in constant currency, as Nike continues to invest in the fairer sex. It's begun launching women-only stores, opening the first in late 2014 outside of Los Angeles, and the women's segment is a big part of Nike's goal to grow revenue to $50 billion by fiscal 2020. The swoosh sees revenue in the women's category nearly doubling in that time period, from $5.7 billion to $11 billion. With the women's market only making up 20% of revenue currently, the opportunity for improvement seems considerable.

The supply chain Though Nike has some of its own retail stores and a growing e-commerce operation, the company primarily depends on retail partners to reach customers. Of these, Foot Locker is by far the most important. The relationship between the two has been mutually beneficial, with each company's stock significantly outperforming the broad market in recent years.

Rory McIlroy Wins Dubai Duty Free Irish Open In Nike Lunar Control 4

Rory McIlroy is the second-ranked golfer on the PGA Tour, but he didn’t take a back seat to anyone this weekend, finishing first at the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open at the K Club in Straffan, County Kildare, Ireland.

The Nike-sponsored golfer ended the tournament by shooting -12, besting second-place finishers Russell Knox and Bradley Dredge by three strokes (-9). McIlroy was head to toe in Nike gear, including the Lunar Control 4 shoes, which the brand designed with the golfer’s game in mind and released in stores in November.Nike Air Max soldes

The Lunar Control 4, according to Nike, was inspired by his 120 mph-plus golf swing and built to give users a strong base. The shoe incorporates some of the brand’s most celebrated technologies as well as its latest footwear advances, including Flywire technology for midfoot lateral support, a new external heel counter to keep the foot in place, a re-engineered lightweight microfiber upper, and the same outsole and Lunarlon midsole from the Nike Lunar Control 3.

The Rory Foundation — a nonprofit charitable trust that supports children’s charities worldwide — was the host of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open, and according to Nike, McIlroy donated the winnings to the charity.

Nike sues 800-meter runner Boris Berian, rocks track and field world

Boris Berian, the 800-meter indoor world champion who was working at McDonald’s less than two years ago, attended Saturday’s HOKA One One Middle Distance Classic in Eagle Rock, Cali. to cheer on his teammates. Much to his surprise, the 23-year-old was served with a lawsuit by Nike, his former sponsor.

Last June, Berian ran 1:43.34 in the 800 meters at the Adidas Grand Prix in New York City—the fifth-fastest 800 meters ever by an American—and promptly inked a professional sponsorship contract with Nike in June. He improved upon that mark at the Monaco Diamond League meet in July, running 1:43.34 and making him the fifth-fastest American 800-meter runner, before his contract expired on Dec. 31, 2015.

Upon the expiration of his contract, Nike held the exclusive right to try to extend the agreement, and Berian could not negotiate with any other shoe companies in the last 60 days of 2015. If there was no new agreement, Berian could explore his options elsewhere, but Nike could match any offer within the first 180 days of 2016.

On Jan. 20, Berian received an offer from New Balance and while Nike matched it, Berian and his agent, Merhawi Keflezighi, didn’t think it matched the level of the New Balance contract.une paire de nike

On Feb. 15, Keflezighi informed Nike that his client  “expressed an interest not to resume a relationship with Nike” and passed along a revised offer from New Balance. Nike claims that Berian and Keflezighi did not have the right to negotiate with New Balance after Nike matched the original offer.

“Nike has filed a lawsuit for declaratory relief and for injunctive relief regarding an expired contract,” Keflezighi said in a statement. “The dispute regards interpretation of contract language.”

According to the lawsuit, Nike claims that Berian wearing competitor apparel “will cause irreparable harm” to the brand.

Berian is currently not sponsored, but he’s been spotted wearing New Balance apparel with his training group, the Big Bear Track Club. Most recently, he competed during the indoor season with New Balance footwear and won a gold medal for the United States in the 800 meters at the world indoor championships wearing USA Track and Field’s Nike uniforms. On Sunday, he has changed his Twitter avatar to a photo of a New Balance spike.

This is just the tip of an iceberg in the many that involve track and field’s sponsorship limitations on athletes. As of Monday morning, Berian is still listed on the entries for next weekend’s Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, Ore.—a Diamond League meet sponsored by Nike.

“Infrared” Launches the Next Air Max 90 Remix

The latest evolution of the Air Max 90 is set to arrive in the weeks ahead, and it’ll do so in the original AM90’s most iconic palette: “Infrared.”

The Nike Air Max 90 Ultra SE Infrared sports the classic colorway, mixing pale grey and white with black and bright red. But a largely seamless, plush textile construction with embossed “seams” replaces the traditional mix of leathers and suedes and meshes, for a cushier, comfier look.

The Nike Air Max 90 Ultra SE Infrared appears to be slated for a June or July launch. Stay tuned to NB for updates, and get a detailed look below at Nike Air Max hommes

Yesterday we unveiled the Nike Air Max 90 golf shoe — officially the Air Max 90 IT — a bold new model that reinvents the iconic runner turned lifestyle shoe for the golf course. As we reported, the first two colorways will be black/white and white/black. But if you’re a fan of more varied tones, worry not; plenty more are coming.

Today, take a look at four more colorways of the past-meets-present golf shoe. Each sports the IT’s signature features — one-piece water-resistant upper, Zoom Air-cushioned midsole, spikeless traction — as well as the AM90’s penchant for head-turning style.

The first two Nike Air Max 90 IT colorways launch in May and June; these four should be right behind that latter launch.

Boris Berian Gets Served By Nike For Breach of Contract

On Friday night at the HOKA ONE ONE Middle Distance Classic, Boris Berian was served with a lawsuit by Nike for breach of contract.

The World Indoor Champion shared the news immediately from Occidental College on his Twitter account with a message that claimed Nike was “going to sue me for breach of a contract that expired on 12/31/15.” He then asked his 1,523 followers, “What shall I do?”

The Big Bear Track Club standout tweeted again on Saturday night, stating that he is “currently not in any contract. My Nike sponsorship ENDED last year. Nike FAILED to match NB offer. For some reason Nike is fighting that.”

According to the complaint, which Nike USA, Inc. filed in the United States District Court of Oregon, the sportswear giant brings action against Berian for “breach of contract, and declaratory and injunctive relief brought by Nike.”

“Nike and Defendant are parties to an exclusive endorsement agreement. This agreement was initiated when Defendant began endorsing Nike pursuant to a written endorsement contract. Under the terms of this initial contract, Nike had the right to match specific written terms of any bona fide third-party offer presented to Defendant during a specified matching period of the agreement.”

The complaint continues by alleging that Berian presented Nike with a proposal by New Balance for an endorsement deal, which created an option contract for Nike to consider within the “period which Nike was entitled to match any third-party offer.”Nike Air Jordan pas cher

Nike alleges that they matched New Balance’s offer in a timely manner and formed a new agreement with Berian, but that he refuses to “recognize an agreement with Nike and has refused to perform under its terms.”

Nike is seeking a declaratory judgement as well as injunctive relief that would prohibit Berian from entering into any other endorsement deal that would violate his agreement with Nike.

Berian is scheduled to race the 800m at the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, Oregon next weekend.

FC Barcelona and NIKE, Inc. Extend Relationship

FC Barcelona and NIKE, Inc. have extended their current sponsorship deal, which was due to end on 30 June 2018. The long-term agreement is a landmark in global football and builds upon a highly successful partnership. The details of the agreement will be reported, and have to be ratified, at the next General Assembly.

The agreement extends the relationship between FC Barcelona and NIKE to over 30 years. FC Barcelona and NIKE signed their first partnership agreement back in 1998 and have experienced two decades of extraordinary football together, with the club winning 4 Champions Leagues, 10 Ligas, 4 editions of the Copa del Rey and 3 Club World Cups, among others.une paire de nike

Statement by Josep M. Bartomeu, president of FC Barcelona

“Through this new agreement with NIKE we are extending a strategic alliance for the Club, while also reinforcing our global position, hand in hand with the leading global sports brand.”

“We are excited by this new agreement and are confident that we’ll be able to celebrate continued sporting successes together.”

Statement by Trevor Edwards, president of the NIKE Brand

“FC Barcelona is one of football’s greatest clubs, inspiring millions of sports fans across the globe, and we are extremely proud to continue our partnership together.”

“Our deep relationship with FC Barcelona extends NIKE's leadership position in football and we are excited by the opportunity to further grow the world’s most global sport.”

Why Nike Designed A Disposable Sneaker

If you think you’re pressed for time right now, spare a thought for the mayfly. The dolania americana is a particularly short-lived insect species in which adults emerge, mate and die in the space of half an hour. It might not seem immediately obvious how this slightly tragic form of existence connects to an age-old legacy at Nike, but bear with us.

Anybody visiting Nike’s archives in Beaverton, Oregon, might find themselves too dazzled by all the technology on show to spot the truly priceless artifacts that the brand was built on — rough-hewn, DIY carved running shoes and spikes altered by company co-founder, legendary track coach, jogging pioneer and decorated combat hero Mr Bill Bowerman. Mr Bowerman was a man at war with weight on race day — he saw drag with every excess gram, and with it lost seconds that cost victory. He had a vision: of a running shoe that was just light enough to last from the starting pistol to a few metres past the finishing line. Nothing less and nothing more.

Mr Bowerman passed away on Christmas Eve 1999, but his obsessive mindset formed design mantras for what would follow. In the early 2000s, a team of running footwear veterans including Messrs Sean McDowell (the designer responsible for the Euro street-level staple that is the Air Max TN), Jerry Crowley, Kevin Paulk and Tony Bignell took up Mr Bowerman’s challenge and began experimenting with a running shoe design that could last for 100km (ie, just enough to last an entire marathon and its pre-event training before self-destruction beckoned.)Nike Air Jordan pas cher

Early experiments in an ultra light upper utilised the hard-to-tear material Tyvek, most commonly used in FedEx envelopes. It was effective, but hardly breathable — not an ideal quality in a performance athletic design. That was resolved with a different ripstop fabric, bolstered with perforated synthetic suede overlays for an aerodynamic, minimal structure.

For a sole, standard foams like Nike’s proprietary Phylon (which was originally inspired by the contents of a soft toy) were made to last 500 or 600 miles. That was unnecessary for this short-term intent. Expanding the air pockets in the Phylon foam stretched it membrane thin, while 10 distinctive perforations in the outsole increased airflow and decreased the weight a little more. The end result – named the Mayfly, for its intentionally short lifespan – was something three times lighter than a conventional running shoe, weighing in at a relatively featherweight 135g. (To put it into perspective, the super-light Nike Flyknit Racer is 160g. In 2003, a standard running shoe would have been three times heavier.)

After being road tested by the likes of Ms Paula Radcliffe, the Mayfly’s initial release was carefully controlled. A key launch make-up was a striking yellow, with patterning inspired by the doomed insect’s wings, packaged in an unusual sloped box and accompanied by a bag to return the battered pair for recycling. For all the marathon talk during it’s development, it was sold in as footwear for a three to five kilometre run when it debuted in 2003.

Sadly, for anyone actually hoping to run in a Mayfly, hype and burgeoning internet collector culture led the race. Fashion’s ephemeral nature paralleled the beautifully designed planned obsolescence it offered and with only 2,000 pairs originally allocated for Europe, shoe connoisseurs quietly descended on specialist running stores to pick up low-priced pairs to pose in — thus minimising wear and tear — or horde. Still, for those who actually put in the miles, feedback regarding the ride was positive.

Nike Inc: Screaming Value in Nike Stock?

High-quality products seldom go on sale. The same can be said for high-quality stocks. That’s why when a pick as good as Nike Inc (NYSE:NKE) stock is taking a dip, you should pay attention.

In the past five years, Nike stock has been climbing quite steadily. There was a good reason for that—the company runs a solid business. But every time you want to buy it, the price just got higher.

Recently, however, there might be an opportunity. Nike stock has fallen as much as 5.8% in the last 30 days. In the past two months, it has dropped 13.3%.

Movements of this magnitude might be common in the technology sector. But for a sports apparel and footwear company, that’s big.

There are two ways to look at Nike stock’s decline. One is that it’s a reflection of fundamental changes in the company’s business. The second is that Mr. Market is just not acting rationally, which could be a great opportunity for those who want to get into Nike stock.une paire de nike

So, is there any fundamental change in Nike’s business?

Not really. Despite being the market leader, Nike does not show signs of slowing down. In fact, its growth in the past several years has been more than impressive.

In the most recent quarter, Nike increased its revenue by eight percent year-over-year to $8.0 billion. Excluding foreign exchange fluctuations, revenue would have been up 14%. The bottom line was even better. Nike grew its earnings per share by 22% year-over-year to $0.55. (Source: “Nike Inc Reports Fiscal 2016 Third Quarter Results,” Nike Inc, March 22, 2016.)

So why is the stock down? Well, its solid revenue number—$8.0 billion—turned out to be less than Wall Street’s estimate of $8.2 billion.

For certain tech companies, a revenue miss might be critical, as it could be a signal of the industry’s momentum. But Nike is not one of those tech companies. It’s a decades-old sportswear company that has beaten Wall Street’s earnings-per-share (EPS) estimates in the past four quarters. (Source: “Analyst Estimates,” Yahoo! Finance, May 18, 2016.)

That’s why I believe this pullback in Nike stock will not last long.

And there’s more. After two years of hibernation, one of the company’s segments might be able to become a catalyst for Nike stock again.

I’m talking about one of the hottest fields today—wearable tech.

In all fairness, Nike always had some presence in wearable tech. But most recently, it hasn’t really done much. The company has been focusing on its “Nike+” app and Nike+ shoes with built-in sensors. This time, though, Nike could make a big appearance in the wearable tech sector.

Gisele and Duchess Kate embrace flat shoes so should you!

A recent tagline "Down with High Heels High Maintenance" by Mary Karr via The New Yorker caught my eye. I won't break anymore gogo boot high heels at the wise age of 37. Mine are now flat! Flat shoes can be stylish. As my wise dear mother would say, flats embody comfort and sensibility.

Women in the United States have the right to wear flat shoes to the office. Can you believe it's a law in Great Britain that women must wear heels to work? A woman was recently sent home from her PricewaterhouseCoopers client in London for wearing black flats. 100,000 signatures means Parliament must now decide.

The Mary Karr article references fashion writers wearing wingtips to the Met Gala. She points out how Victoria Beckham walked the Fashion Week runway in sneakers. My sister who is almost six feet tall rocks sassy flats. Her confidence empowers her.

Style and presence do not equate with killer stiletto heels. You may hold your head high and walk with purpose and even a swagger in stylish flats.une paire de nike

Heels can take a beating on your back and feet. The American Osteopathic Association  should know. They caution, "High heels have also been linked to overworked or injured leg muscles, osteoarthritis of the knee, plantar fasciitis and low back pain."

Harvard psychologist and TED star Amy Cuddy book Presence: Bringing Your Boldest Self to Your Biggest Challenges suggests you may envision exaggerated stances before you present. You may lengthen your stride to exude power without heels.

Although some of my friends are fabulous in high heels, I love that super model Gisele Bundchen embraced flats on the runway six years ago. "She was so out of love with heels that she told the designer that she refused to wear his signature 4.5inch heels on the runway at the Paris show."

Don't you adore how she prefers bare feet? She expounded in that same article.

“From the beginning, looks did not define me in any way,” Gisele said. “I have a different idea of what I am. I wanted to be Jane Goodall [animal rights activist. In my mind, I’m still Jane Goodall in bare feet.”

New York Times article about the model Gisele expounds on her presence. They describe how she commands her space while seated on her couch with a rescue pup. That has nothing to do with how elongated her legs may look due to the height of her shoe heel. Her positive energy doesn't correlate with heels.

The super model is the most successful financially in her industry. She confides, "I always knew that, even if I was not the most beautiful girl, I'd be the most energetic and hard-working. If you want to know the truth, that's the reason for my success."

Even the stylish and elegant Duchess Kate wears flats! The French actress Eva Green born in 1980 says, Life's too short to wear high heels."

Where do you stand on this? Even if you wear high heels, hope you travel in flats for comfort. XO

Nike Nears Sponsorship Deal With Chelsea FC

Chelsea FC and Nike Inc. are in advanced talks to sign an outfitting rights deal valued at $75 million per year for the English Premier League club, a person familiar with the matter said. If signed, the deal would solidify Chelsea’s transition to the chief rival of its current kit supplier of a decade, Adidas AG . Terms of the deal weren’t finalized, this person said. Both Adidas and Chelsea announced last week that they would part ways after the 2016-2017 season, ending their current contract six years early. As part of the agreement, Chelsea agreed to pay the sportswear maker an early-termination une paire de nike. Chelsea this month wrapped up a lackluster season in the English Premier League, finishing in the middle of the standings and out of lucrative Champions League qualification just a year after winning the EPL. Unheralded Leicester City FC won this year’s championship in one of the most unlikely sports upsets in recent history. Nike, which currently outfits Manchester City FC, has ceded some of its top English soccer assets to rival sportswear firms in recent years, after Arsenal and Manchester United signed contracts with Puma AG and Adidas, respectively, in 2014. News that Nike was in talks with Chelsea was earlier reported by The Telegraph.

Nike Inc (NKE) to Issue $0.16 Quarterly Dividend

Nike Inc (NYSE:NKE) announced a quarterly dividend on Monday, May 16th. Investors of record on Monday, June 6th will be given a dividend of 0.16 per share by the footwear maker on Tuesday, July 5th. This represents a $0.64 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.12%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, June 2nd.

In other Nike news, COO Eric D. Sprunk sold 135,764 shares of the business’s stock in a transaction on Friday, April 29th. The shares were sold at an average price of $58.82, for a total transaction of $7,985,638.48. Following the transaction, the chief operating officer now directly owns 385,448 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $22,672,051.36. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, CAO Hilary K. Krane sold 55,000 shares of the business’s stock in a transaction on Thursday, April 28th. The shares were sold at an average price of $59.13, for a total transaction of $3,252,150.00. Following the transaction, the chief accounting officer now directly owns 263,038 shares in the company, valued at $15,553,436.94. The disclosure for this sale can be found here.Nike Air Max femmes

Several equities research analysts recently weighed in on the stock. Robert W. Baird reiterated a “buy” rating and issued a $70.00 target price on shares of Nike in a research note on Saturday, April 9th. B. Riley restated a “buy” rating and set a $73.50 price target on shares of Nike in a research note on Monday, March 21st. DA Davidson cut their price target on shares of Nike from $78.00 to $76.00 and set a “buy” rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, March 23rd. Macquarie restated a “buy” rating and set a $77.50 price target on shares of Nike in a research note on Tuesday, April 19th. Finally, Citigroup Inc. restated a “buy” rating on shares of Nike in a research note on Wednesday, March 23rd. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, five have issued a hold rating, twenty-seven have issued a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the stock. Nike presently has a consensus rating of “Buy” and an average target price of $70.28.

Nike (NYSE:NKE) opened at 57.14 on Tuesday. The stock’s 50 day moving average is $59.41 and its 200-day moving average is $61.46. The company has a market capitalization of $96.26 billion and a PE ratio of 26.45. Nike has a 12 month low of $47.25 and a 12 month high of $68.19.

Nike (NYSE:NKE) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, March 22nd. The footwear maker reported $0.55 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the Zacks’ consensus estimate of $0.49 by $0.06. The company had revenue of $8.03 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $8.20 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $0.89 earnings per share. The firm’s revenue for the quarter was up 7.7% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, analysts expect that Nike will post $2.16 EPS for the current year.

NIKE, Inc is engaged in the design, development, marketing and selling of athletic footwear, apparel, equipment, accessories and services. The Company sells its products to retail accounts, through NIKE-owned retail stores and Internet Websites (NYSE:NKE), and through a mix of independent distributors and licensees throughout the world.

At Nike the Future is Faster, and it's 3D

Two months ago, Nike introduced a custom track spike for sprinter Allyson Felix that pushed the performance and rapid prototyping possibilities of 3D printing further and hinted at the company’s goal of scaling the technology to deliver greater performance innovation faster. Today, it accelerates towards that future via a partnership with the multinational information technology company HP.

The move builds off of over three years of innovation in the 3D printing and Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) space that has allowed Nike to make and tweak prototypes in hours, instead of months. This process has fast-tracked the creation of everything from the aforementioned track spike to football cleats, such as the Nike Vapor Laser Talon and Nike Vapor HyperAgility. Outside of footwear, it has also played a significant role in disruptive designs such as the Cooling Hood, designed for world record-holding decathlete Ashton Eaton, and the Nike Football Rebento duffle bag.

Nike Air Max hommesWith its new HP partnership, Nike is shooting for an even swifter prototyping pace. As Tom Clarke, President, Nike Innovation, explains, “At Nike we innovate for the world’s best athletes. We’ve been using 3D printing to create new performance innovations for footwear for the past several years. Now we are excited to partner with HP to accelerate and scale our existing capabilities as we continue to explore new ways to manufacture performance products to help athletes reach their full potential.”

Nike Solstice Pack

The solstice — a twice-yearly astronomical event — marks either the shortest or the longest days of the year, depending on the hemisphere. The Nike Solstice Pack celebrates this seasonal occurrence with two contrasting graphics: a Southern-Hemisphere summer-inspired floral pattern and a Northern-Hemisphere winter-inspired icy motif that provide runners around the world with a celestial excuse to run longer in the summer daylight or, alternatively, the winter moonlight.

The Winter Hemisphere pattern is featured on the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 32 Solstice, Nike Free 5.0 Solstice, Nike Running Tee, Nike Elite Running Cushion Solstice Crew Sock and Nike Running AW84 Hat.
The Summer Hemisphere version debuts on the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 32 Solstice, Nike Free 5.0 Solstice, Nike Running Tank Top, Nike Elite Running Cushion Solstice Crew Sock and Nike Running AW84 Hat.

The pack also features a reflective City Flash Jacket to help runners remain visible throughout the longest night of the year. The Nike Solstice Pack will be available beginning December 10 on une paire de nike 

Nike Zoom Superfly Flyknit

In 200- and 400-meter sprints, an athlete’s control through the track’s curve can add or subtract crucial milliseconds — the difference between being crowned champion and taking second place. For gold-medal-winning American sprinter Allyson Felix, commanding this variable is just one of the many challenges integral to repeating her 2012 success. To address the challenge ahead of Rio, Felix entered into an unprecedented collaboration with Nike, comprising design and engineering research, with the aim of creating a new spike built specifically for the races’ requirements.

The Nike Zoom Superfly Flyknit unites extensive scientific analysis from Nike’s Sports Research Lab (NSRL) with computational design by the company’s designers and pixel-level stitch placement by its Flyknit engineers. Combining this data with perception testing by Felix and additional feedback from her coaches, the collective team precisely adapted the spike’s key elements of strength, fit and flex to Felix’s specifications and biomechanics — exemplified by a long, graceful, powerful stride.

To tailor the fit to the unique contours of Felix’s foot, a custom last was created specifically for Felix’s size 9.5, AA-width feet. The spike’s plate was also developed to align with Felix’s stiffness preference, a balance of flexibility and pop made possible through 3D print prototyping.

The spike’s custom Flyknit upper perfectly complements the plate’s advances by reducing volume and weight and, for the first time in a sprint spike, extending to three-quarter height, which supports a larger potion of the foot to facilitate fluidity in motion.Nike Air Max femmes

“One of the things that I love about the process is that I'm not an expert in this, but I have all this science behind me. This is what [Nike] does and this is what they're passionate about,” says Felix. “I can have confidence that they're going to give me the best equipment.” 

Nike Greater China’s “Give Me the Ball” campaign inspires kids to make their mark

Give a kid a chance, a nudge in the right direction, and astounding things can happen. That’s the premise of “Give Me the Ball,” a new basketball campaign driven by Nike Greater China.

“Give Me the Ball” motivates players to dream big, speak up, take charge and make their own mark with just a basketball in their hands.

Iconic global players Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant and Yi Jianlian appear in the “Wish List” - the new film in the Give Me the Ball campaign - along with Chinese icons, actor Chen Jianzhou and renowned basketball commentator Zhang Weiping. The film also celebrates aspiring basketballers hungry for a break.

“Playing basketball was my dream and passion as a kid. The ball symbolized an opportunity, a chance to work hard and see what was possible,” Bryant said. “Every aspiring player should feel that possibility when the ball is in their hands.”

Kevin Durant had the same dream: “When I was a kid, basketball was my life. In some ways, it’s such a simple game: just give me the ball and the rest will take care of itself,” Durant said. “I hope to inspire kids to go after what they want, starting with the ball.”

Yi Jianlian, MVP of the Chinese Basketball Association League regular season and All Star Game, applies the new campaign to his current season. “Give me the ball, I will bring you the Championship,” he posted on Weibo, aiming to bring a title to his Guangdong Southern Tigers. Nike Air Jordan pas cher

Chinese rising star, 2012-13 Rookie of the Year and MVP of the Rookie Challenge Wang Zhelin also believes in the power of the ball: “When you have the ball in competition, you need to take more responsibility. When I tell a teammate to give me the ball, it means I’m ready to take that responsibility.”

NIke Greater China partnered with Wieden + Kennedy of Shanghai to create the film. Stacy Wall, whose work includes previous Nike campaigns L’il Penny, The LeBrons, MVPuppets and LeBron Rise, directed the 78-second “Wish List.” The film will air throughout March on national entertainment and sports networks in Mainland China, Taiwan and Hong Kong. The broader campaign features extensive digital, out-of-home and print executions.

LEBRON 11 Provides a Protective Suit for LeBron James’s Powerful Precision

The number 11 represents new beginnings and is a step beyond a celebrated tenure. Starting his 11th year in the league, with two gold medals, two championship rings and four MVP trophies, LeBron James continues to succeed by constantly improving his game. Designed to provide a protective suit for James’s unique style of play, the LEBRON 11 encompasses the duality of powerful precision. It is James's lightest signature shoe to-date, while offering the protective feel, responsiveness and containment his game requires. “LOCK ME DOWN SO I CAN FLY” James has consistently fed back to his shoe designers that he wants to feel locked down, as if the shoes are an extension of his feet, for the 1,000+ directional changes he makes per game. Nike Basketball designers aim to build on the strengths of his game and provide protection for his powerful force without hindering his intricate precision on the court. Built from the inside out, the LEBRON 11 is the lightest and lowest LeBron signature shoe ever. It weighs approximately 14.5 oz in a men’s size 9.Nike Air Max hommes The upper is built in a new way, featuring revolutionary Nike Hyperposite technology for lightweight lock-down, while taking protection, containment and responsiveness to a new level. The upper incorporates Nike Hyperfuse construction and dynamic Flywire technology to bring natural motion to James’s game. The LEBRON 11 is deconstructed to get James’s foot much lower to the ground so he can feel the court, while enhancing cushioning via the full length Lunarlon and Nike Zoom unit – a combination featured for the first time in a LeBron signature shoe.

Nike Running RF ESP Pack Goes Loud, Multicolored

The Zoom Pegasus 33 officially launches June 2, and Nike is kicking the shoe off in style. In addition to the standard colorways, Nike Running will also drop a special collection that features the Pegasus 33, Nike Free RN and LunarTempo 2 each wearing the same look: a wild, multicolored graphic print, trimmed with pinkish-red and reflective silver. Officially dubbed the Nike Running RF ESP collection — Rafa (Nadal) of España? — all three shoes will hit stores on June 2. (Only the Pegasus and Free RN are pictured here.) une paire de nike

Air Jordan 17 “Bulls” Drops This Month

The Air Jordan 17 Bulls launches later this month, a brand new colorway of the neo-classic design inspired by the 30,000th career point Michael Jordan scored, back in 2002 while a member of the Washington Wizards. Thankfully and fittingly, MJ’s Wizards happened to be playing the Bulls when he scored that historic point, hence the Air Jordan 17 Bulls colorway. A buttery black leather upper is subtly contrasted by deep red on the croc-scale heel tab, the metallic accents, while a white outsole lightens up the picture a bit. It’s a new colorway, but it’s easy to imagine it being an OG had MJ still been playing in Chicago when the XVII debuted. The Air Jordan 17 Bulls releases May 29 at stateside Jordan accounts, retailing for $250. Nike Air Max femmes

Nike KD 8 EXT “Floral” Release 5/7

Kevin Durant and his Thunder are currently clashing with the Spurs, but his signature shoe takes a page from another playoff team’s book on its latest fashion-first “EXT” edition. Seemingly channeling the Trail Blazers — y’know, the black-and-red team that hails from the City of Roses — the Nike KD 8 EXT Floral sports a black woven upper embroidered with a vibrant red floral print. Black leather Swooshes and tongues double down on the premium look, while a white midsole sits beneath, delivering perfect contrast to both the above colors. And the wait is over. The Nike KD 8 EXT Floral releases Saturday, May 7, at stateside retailers. Nike.com and the SNKRS app will have them at 10am EDT/7am PDT. une paire de nike

20% Off Sale on Nike.com Clearance Items

One of the most anticipated semi-quarterly events around, Nike.com is once again having a sale on all clearance items. This time, entering the promo code “MOTION” at checkout will knock an extra 20% off the lowest-marked price of all clearance products. The sale is already live, and will run through May 17 at 11:59pm PDT. There are plenty of worthwhile prospective purchases, too — Air Force 1 Retros and Flyknit Air Maxes and KD 8s and on down the line — a few of which we’ve included above and below. What are you copping? Nike Air Max femmes

Another Look at the Upcoming Kyrie 2 “Crossover”

The Cleveland Cavaliers closed out their second straight sweep of the 2016 playoffs on Sunday, thanks in no small part to point guard Kyrie Irving and his game-breaking crossover dribble. This weekend, the next colorway of the Kyrie 2 hit stores, celebrating not just the playoff run, but that dazzling signature move. Dubbed the Nike Kyrie 2 Crossover, the shoe sports a vibrant purple-and-orange striped pattern on the strap, locking down an upper that starts out clean and simple with a white mesh forefoot. Then wild styling enters the picture, as an orange collar gives way to a distorted text print around the heel, a nod to the head-turning, mind-boggling nature of Kyrie’s moves. The Nike Kyrie 2 Crossover releases this Saturday, May 14, at select retailers nationwide. Stay tuned for updates, and get your latest, greatest look at the shoe below. Nike Air Max hommes

The Absurd History of Nike Air Technology

Like many soul-searching 1990s adolescents, I was obsessed with Nike Air technology. I’d pore over the latest innovations, from visible forefoot air to tuned air to other types of air. I’d even buy used sneakers at the flea market and tear them apart to inspect the air. As my young brain developed and my understanding of biomechanics advanced, however, I came to a realization: Nike Air is bullshit. I’m not trying to say that Nike Air is useless. The gas-filled sacks of cushioning revolutionized the sneaker world when it was introduced over 30 years ago. As a fashion statement alone, the introduction of Air Max helped to create a cottage industry of sneakerheads and collectors with closets full of unworn shoes. However, there’s very little real science—despite Nike commercials that say otherwise—supporting the idea that filling running shoes with pressurized air makes you a better athlete. Recent research actually suggests the opposite. But even Nike itself now considers itself a marketing company. And its greatest act? Convincing anyone that Nike Air technology was more than a demonstration of Beaverton’s historically profitable and often deceptive brand-building prowess. The Early Days in Oregon It wasn’t always like this. Back in 1964, former University of Oregon runner Phil Knight and his former coach Bill Bowerman founded the company in order to help the running community get access to the best shoes. They called it Blue Ribbon Sports (BRS), the nascent company started out as a distributor for Onitsuka Tiger. Apparently Bowerman sold most of the shoes out of his trunk at track meets. It didn’t take long for Knight—who was finishing up his MBA at Stanford—and Bowerman to realize they wanted to do their own thing. Bowerman had designed a cushioned running shoe that Onitsuka released in 1969 as the Tiger Cortez. Around the same time, though, he and Knight started working with a factory in Japan to produce their own line of sneakers. They called it Nike. And do you know what one of the first models was? The Nike Cortez. Onitsuka didn’t even realize Bowerman had repurposed the design until an official visited the old BRS warehouse in Los Angeles. Nevertheless, a court decided that both companies could make the shoe. In effect, Knight and Bowerman were selling the same shoes to the same runners, except they’d replaced the Onitsuka logo with their own. A local student named Carolyn Davidson designed the “Swoosh,” and Nike paid her just $35. Over a decade later, Knight gave Davidson “a gold Swoosh ring embedded with a diamond… and an envelope containing Nike stock” for her work. And so, Nike’s tradition of clever marketing and borderline trickery had begun. Knight and Bowerman realized early on that they weren’t necessarily selling a unique product. They were selling an idea, too. The Swoosh, the athlete endorsements, the slogans—it all added up to a brand that encouraged people to believe in products rather than performance. Nike Air Max soldes

Nike’s stock bounces off lows after analysts rush to its defense

Nike Inc. shares dropped Wednesday, as the sports apparel giant’s latest results failed to meet investors’ lofty expectations, but they bounced sharply off their lows after Wall Street analysts rushed to the company’s defense. The Beaverton, Ore. company reported late Tuesday improved profits and sales for its third quarter, but the stock dropped sharply as revenue missed expectations. Nike even had success in China, while many other consumer retailers struggled in the region. Also see: Nike revenue, profit climb; shares slip The stock NKE, +0.41% was down 2.3% in midday trade Wednesday, but had been down as much as 5.8% earlier in the session. It was still the biggest percentage decliner among Dow Jones Industrial Average DJIA, +0.45% components. Analysts defended Nike’s performance, however, saying they believed the company was well-positioned for long-term success. “We are buyers of the stock on any pullback and continue to believe [Nike] is one of the best growth stories in consumer,” wrote Scott Krasik, an analyst for The Buckingham Research Group. Krasik said that despite the high expectations placed on Nike, the company has performed well. Nike shares had soared 11% in two weeks through Tuesday, while the Dow gained 3.4% over the same time. Since Nike’s stock closed at a five-month low of $55.04 on Feb. 8, it had run up 18%. Many analysts were impressed with the turnaround in Nike’s management of inventories in North America, which came in below expectations, as investments made in supply-chain capacity helped boost product flow to consumers. Analysts defended Nike’s performance, however, saying they believed the company was well-positioned for long-term success. “We are buyers of the stock on any pullback and continue to believe [Nike] is one of the best growth stories in consumer,” wrote Scott Krasik, an analyst for The Buckingham Research Group. Krasik said that despite the high expectations placed on Nike, the company has performed well. Nike shares had soared 11% in two weeks through Tuesday, while the Dow gained 3.4% over the same time. Since Nike’s stock closed at a five-month low of $55.04 on Feb. 8, it had run up 18%. une paire de nike

Nike revenue, profit climb; shares slip

Nike Inc. said its revenue rose 7.7% and profit climbed in the latest quarter, helped by what the company said was robust growth across its business lines. Still, shares fell 2.7% to $63.15 in recent after-hours trading as revenue was still shy of expectations. The Beaverton, Ore., company said revenue increased to $8.03 billion for the three-month period ended Feb. 29, from $7.46 billion a year earlier. Analysts polled by Thomson Reuters expected revenue of $8.2 billion. Excluding currency fluctuations, revenue grew 14%. The world's largest sportswear maker by revenue reported continued strength in North America and China. Revenue in North America grew 13%, while sales in its Greater China segment improved by 23%. Nike's quarterly earnings report comes as most of the retail sportswear industry is facing a crunch, with the bankruptcy filing of Sports Authority Inc. shaking up the near-term forecast at Dick's Sporting Goods. The athletic gear company said futures orders, which reflect products scheduled for delivery from March through July, rose 12% on a global basis, compared with an increase of 2% a year earlier and the 15% growth from the last quarter. Futures orders are closely watched by investors as a benchmark for demand for Nike products. Excluding currency impacts, futures orders increased 17%, compared with a rise of 11% a year earlier and the 20% growth in the previous quarter. Over all, Nike reported a profit of $950 million, or 55 cents a share, up from $791 million, or 45 cents a share, a year earlier. Analysts expected a per-share profit of 48 cents. Gross margin was flat at 45.9% as higher average selling prices and growth in the higher-margin direct-to-consumer business were offset by negative currency impacts, higher warehousing costs and efforts to clear inventories in North America. Nike has used expensive sponsorships to increase its market share in sports such as soccer and basketball. In the latest period, Nike increased such spending--called demand creation--by 10% to $804 million. At quarter's end, inventories were $4.6 billion, up 8% from a year earlier. Nike last week unveiled coming products, including its HyperAdapt Trainer 1.0 sneakers with self-lacing technology that the sportswear company plans to plans to sell later this year. Investors likely will be listening on the conference call for any details on the pricing of the shoe, which will be available for the 2016 holiday season, as well as any indication when the new products will affect Nike's bottom line. Last fall Nike, the world's largest sportswear maker by sales, outlined plans to achieve $50 billion in revenue by 2020, more than one-third of which it hopes to generate from direct sales to consumers, up from about a fifth in 2015. Investors also likely will be listening for any comments on Nike's wholesale or direct-sales strategy. Nike Air Max soldes

LOVE OR HATE, TELL KOBE HOW YOU FEEL

Throughout his career, Kobe Bryant has amassed top accolades and extraordinary stats. He has also attracted countless fans — and critics. As the years mounted, so did the messages of love and hate from opponents, teammates, cross-sport athletes, fans, coaches and more. Now, as we approach Bryant’s final game, fellow Nike athletes pay tribute to the Black Mamba in a final video fueled by these conflicting passions. Bryant calls on everyone to give their final word through the Mamba Day Generator, which overlays the user’s selected farewell word on a photo that can then be shared on social media. Available for a limited time beginning at tipoff of his final game on April 13, the KOBE 11 Mamba Day iD celebrates Bryant’s career by the numbers. It's also open for personal interpretation, allowing athletes and fans to stamp their departing word for Bryant on the inner tongue. The final NIKEiD shoe of Bryant’s professional career will feature a graphic highlighting eight notable stats that have fueled the love and hate, including: the dates of his first and last games (11.01.96 and 4.13.16), five World Championships, four All-Star MVP awards, 18 All-Star appearances, 81 points scored in a game, 20 years played in the league and 24 for his jersey number. The black and gold Nike product seen on athletes worldwide leads into the Mamba Day celebration on April 13, when Los Angeles hosts Utah in Bryant’s final professional game. une paire de nike

Nike is now best-performing stock on the Dow for the year

Nike Inc. shares NKE, -1.56% surged 9% Friday and set an intraday high of $125.82, making it the top-performing stock on the Dow Jones Industrial Average in the year so far. Nike shares are up almost 31% in the year, while the Dow has fallen about 8%. If the stock holds these gains, it will set a record close and surpass $100 bilion in market capitalization for the first time. The stock is enjoying its biggest one-day point gain and biggest percentage gain since Sept. 26, 2014. The move came as analysts applauded first-quarter earnings that blew past expectations. Nike Air Max femmes

At Nike, Extending the Track to the Runway

Fashion, Nike is coming for you. The company has quietly, but systematically, been courting the fashion world since 2014, and fashion has been in something of a collective swoon in return. That was when the model Karlie Kloss fronted one of the Nike women’s campaigns, and it held a fashion show in New York where models such as Ms. Kloss and Joan Smalls walked alongside athletes like the tennis player Li Na and the marathoner Paula Radcliffe. Fashion editors from Europe and Asia flew in and sat in the front row, many with their Nikes on. Last summer, Nike opened an invitation-only training facility on Grand Street in Lower Manhattan where glossy-magazine-ites do yoga and work out with assorted models and other influencers. A few seasons ago, for fashion week, the company created a “concierge” program to keep editors fit as they went to London, Milan and Paris (a time when exercise and healthy habits notoriously go by the wayside). Among its devotees are Cindi Leive, the editor of Glamour; Stefano Tonchi, the editor of W; Michael Carl, fashion market director of Vanity Fair; and Ariel Foxman, editorial director of In Style. “There’s no sense of a quid pro quo,” Ms. Leive said. “It never feels grasping.” It is presented, rather, as an experience Nike can finesse for its fashion community, just as in the larger world it has created Nike Training Club and Nike Run Club, free apps that suggest tailored training programs for members. However, as a result of using the Nike program during shows, Ms. Leive acknowledged she was more likely to post pictures of herself on Instagram “in head-to-toe Nike gear” provided by Nike, running in the Paris half-marathon, which she has done twice during fashion week, among other activities. Though she said she did not consider Nike a fashion brand, the visual of a major fashion editor implicitly endorsing Nike by wearing it sends a powerful message to her 17,700 followers, as she admitted. Both Mr. Tonchi and Mr. Carl acknowledged that they, too, wear more Nike now than they used to. une paire de nike The effect of all this is simple: While Nike may not overtly identify itself as a fashion brand, and while traditional runway names may not see it as a competitor, to consumers considering what piece of clothing to buy, it increasingly seems like one and the same.

NIKE, INC. ANNOUNCES TARGET OF $50 BILLION IN REVENUE BY END OF FY20*

NIKE, Inc. (NYSE: NKE) today will provide an overview of its progress on key strategic initiatives to achieve sustainable, profitable long- term growth. During an investor meeting at its world headquarters near Beaverton, Ore., the Company announced a revenue target of $50 billion by the end of fiscal year 2020. “Today, we’re showing how NIKE is built for growth – now and for years to come,” said Mark Parker, NIKE, Inc. President and CEO. “We lead because we serve the athlete and consumer completely – through breakthrough product and personal experiences, all around the world. As we look toward 2020, we are accelerating the pace of innovation across every area of our business to deliver the very best to athletes everywhere – when and where they want it.” NIKE is also announcing further investments and partnerships leveraging digital to accelerate innovation end-to-end, across design, manufacturing and product creation. A new facility at NIKE’s world headquarters was unveiled, the Advanced Product Creation Center, which will house some of the Company’s most advanced manufacturing and design capabilities under one roof. The Center will bring together engineers, material scientists and designers to work together with advanced manufacturing methods to develop the next breakthrough technology, following the multisport success of Flyknit. Throughout the day, NIKE will provide added dimension to its growth plan through category and geographic business opportunities, digital investments, integrated marketplace strategies, new innovation partnerships and long-term financial objectives. Mark Parker is followed by Trevor Edwards, President, NIKE Brand; Jeanne Jackson, President, Product and Merchandising; Jayme Martin, Vice President and GM, Global Categories; Elliott Hill, President of Geographies and Sales; Christiana Shi, President, Direct to Consumer; Eric Sprunk, Chief Operating Officer; and Andy Campion, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. About NIKE, Inc. NIKE, Inc., based near Beaverton, Oregon, is the world's leading designer, marketer and distributor of authentic athletic footwear, apparel, equipment and accessories for a wide variety of sports and fitness activities. Wholly-owned NIKE, Inc. subsidiary brands include Converse, which designs, distributes and licenses casual sneakers, apparel and accessories; and Hurley, which designs and distributes a line of action sports and youth lifestyle apparel and accessories. For more information, NIKE, Inc.’s earnings releases and other financial information are available on the Internet at http://investors.nike.com and individuals can follow @Nike. * This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. These risks and uncertainties are detailed from time to time in reports filed by NIKE, Inc. with the Securities and Exchange Commission., including Forms 8-K, 10-Q, and 10-K. une paire de nike

HyperAdapt 1.0: NIKE unveils a sneaker that laces up at the touch of a button

NIKE has launched a pair of sneakers that feature its latest platform breakthrough: adaptive lacing. as the athlete steps into the ‘HyperAdapt 1.0’ the heel hits a sensor, prompting the built-in system to automatically respond to the wearer’s unique foot dimensions. two buttons on the side of the shoe tighten and loosen the sneaker as necessary. the product translates deep research in digital, electrical and mechanical engineering into a shoe designed for movement. the ‘HyperAdapt’ is inspired by the footwear marty mcfly wore in the movie back to the future — shoes that renowned NIKE designer tinker hatfield conceived for the 1985 film. ‘about 25 years ago I designed a back to the future shoe that had a power lacing system, and we thought that was great for the movie, but it was just fantasy, right?’, hatfield told designboom. ‘then, roughly ten years ago, we started to realize that the motor technology, battery power, cabling systems, and our own ability to knit and weave, made us think: ‘you know what, I think we can do this’.’ Nike Air Jordan pas cher

How Nike's Stock Continues to 'Just Do It' (NKE)

NIKE, Inc. (NKE) has been crushing investor expectations. Those who have had skin in the game have been more than pleased. Over the past year, the stock has appreciated 47.73%. As a small bonus, the stock currently yields 0.90%. Nike has also upped its long-term 2020 revenue guidance to $50 billion from a previous expectation of $36 billion. These are good numbers as well as what investors care about most. There are several factors at play, including excellent brand identity, international growth and e-commerce. But there’s one other factor that some investors are overlooking, and it’s going to be a key to the company’s success going forward. ETF’s – Built-in Diversification and Flexibility Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are an easy, low cost way to help provide diversification and flexibility to anyone’s portfolio. E*TRADE lets you trade every ETF sold, and provides over 100 commission-free ETFs from leading independent providers. Manage your ETF portfolio yourself, or let the professionals at E*TRADE Capital Management do it for you for instant diversification and flexibility.

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NIKE BASKETBALL CELEBRATES THE GAME'S STARS

Thirteen members of the Nike Basketball family will take the court during Sunday's All-Star game in Toronto, and another twelve are participating in Saturday's festivities. Karl-Anthony Towns won the skills competition and Zach LaVine won his second consecutive dunk contest. MAMBA MASTERY Kobe Bryant will be making his final All-Star appearance. The moment caps an incredible career, and a legacy of elite, game-changing performance sneakers. Saturday night participants include Anthony Davis, DeMarcus Cousins, Draymond Green, CJ McCollum, Isaiah Thomas, Jordan Clarkson, Karl-Anthony Towns and Zach LaVine. NIKE BASKETBALL SATURDAY NIGHT Nike Basketball celebrates its stars with commemorative illustrations for All-Star weekend. Artist Dale Edwin Murray re-imagined each player's style through a series of action drawings and portraits. Nike Air Jordan pas cher

KOBE 11 MUSE PACK: A NEW CHAPTER BEGINS

Bryant reveals his next chapter with Nike. Kobe Bryant’s basketball career symbolically faded to black on April 13, when the legend played his final game and scored 60 points in a win. Today, Nike Basketball introduces a new tribute to Bryant in the form of the KOBE 11 Muse Pack, furthering the legacy of innovation. Borrowing individual inspiration from design pioneers including NIKE, Inc. President & CEO Mark Parker, Eric Avar and Tinker Hatfield, the KOBE 11 Muse Pack champions the creativity that fuels these designers and honors Bryant as a collaborator and an innovator. The link between Bryant and the three designers dates back to the Nike Huarache 2K4, the first shoe Kobe wore after signing with Nike in 2003. Each played a pivotal role in the shoe’s development, and those early days paved the way for the Kobe signature line, placing it at the forefront of innovation and jumpstarting the footwear industry with provocative basketball product. First up in the new three-shoe pack is the KOBE 11 Avar Muse. The design reflects Bryant and Avar’s mutual interest in nature, with a particular focus on Yosemite National Park’s “El Capitan” rock formation, an elite climbing destination. “Nature in its complex simplicity is in a constant state of refinement,” explains Avar. The shoe features crafted details, like a leather patch on the right heel printed with a philosophy that Avar and Bryant share: “I see beauty in the struggle.” Similar to climbers scaling El Capitan and gazing at Yosemite’s beauty from 8,000 feet above the ground, both Bryant and Avar have overcome significant life challenges, tested themselves and remained resilient. Nike Air Max hommes