Nike: Shoe Size Conversion, History and Innovation in One Place

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Before Nike became the biggest athletic brand in the world, it was known as Blue Ribbon Sports (BRS). BRS was founded by Phil Knight and his running coach, Bill Bowerman, in 1964.

When they first started, they imported shoes from Japan before creating their first lightweight training shoe in 1971.

It was designed for track and featured waffle-type nubs on the outer sole. With the launch of this first shoe, they renamed the company after the Greek goddess of victory, Nike.

The swoosh logo that is instantly recognized worldwide was designed for $34 by a graphic design student!

In 1979, they launched Nike Air, which was extremely successful, making them the No.1 supplier of athletic shoes in America.

In 2013, a collector auctioned 2,500 Nike trainers on eBay with the aim of raising $1 millionIn 2013, a collector auctioned 2,500 Nike trainers on eBay with the aim of raising $1 million (Credit: TIG Media / WENN)

Years later, in 1985, Michael Jordan collaborated with Nike to create the “Jordan” shoe – still one of the most popular Nike shoes.

According to Forbes, Nike has since paid Michael Jordan an estimated $1.3 billion since the deal was made. By the 1990s, Nike expanded into apparel, golf, and soccer.

The first ever Nike Flyknit Air Max sneakers were released in 2014The first ever Nike Flyknit Air Max sneakers were released in 2014 (Credit: OKcamera / Shutterstock)

The “Just Do It” tagline didn’t come to fruition until 1988 with a major marketing campaign. Nike’s marketing initiatives include endorsement deals and sponsorships with some of the most famous and talented athletes. In 2015, Nike became the official uniform of the NBA.

Some of their most popular styles today are the classics developed in the early days.

Nike Cortez still has the same vintage look. Released for the 1972 Summer Olympics, they were the most popular shoe of the decade. The Nike Air Force 1 was their first basketball shoe and debuted in 1982.

The Air Jordan 1 High Bred Patent features a black and red patent leather upper with signature weaved Nike Air tongue labelsThe Air Jordan 1 High Bred Patent features a black and red patent leather upper with signature weaved Nike Air tongue labels (Credit: Danny Bakker / Shutterstock)

It’s now available in five different styles and various colors. A year later, in 1983, Nike Air Zoom Pegasus became the number one choice for runners – and still is today!

Nike Air Max 1 was introduced in 1987, featuring superior cushioning technology with translucent pouches filled with gel.

Nike now has several different lines and styles, categorized by their function and sport. Many of their shoes come in different color combinations and limited editions. This has made the brand a beloved choice for sneakerheads and collectors.

You can use a shoe size conversion chart or calculator to convert shoe sizes between different systems:

Nike Size Conversion Chart – Men’s Shoes

Here is a chart that shows the corresponding shoe sizes in the US, UK, and EU size systems for men's Nike shoes:
US SizeUK SizeEU Size
7640
7.56.540.5
8741
8.57.542
9842.5
9.58.543
10944
10.59.544.5
111045
11.510.545.5
121146
12.511.547
131247.5
141348.5

Men's Nike Shoe Sizes to Women's Nike Shoe Sizes

To convert men's Nike shoe sizes to women's Nike shoe sizes, you can use the following conversion chart:
Men's Nike Shoe SizeWomen's Nike Shoe Size
78.5
7.59
89.5
8.510
910.5
9.511
1011.5
10.512
1112.5
11.513
1213.5
12.514
1314.5
1415.5
1516.5

Nike Size Conversion Chart – Women’s Shoes

Here is a chart that shows the corresponding shoe sizes in the US, UK, and EU size systems for women's Nike shoes:
Women's Nike Shoe Size (US)Women's Nike Shoe Size (UK)Women's Nike Shoe Size (EU)
5336
5.53.536.5
6437.5
6.54.538
7538.5
7.55.539
8640
8.56.540.5
9741
9.57.542
10842.5
10.58.543
11944
11.59.544.5
121045

What Font Does Nike Use?

The company uses Trade Gothic as the primary typeface for the brand. While Nike previously also used Futura Extra Bold Condensed, now Trade Gothic Bold Condensed is used almost everywhere. The body copy is Helvetica.