Nike

Now a household name, Nike launched as a small venture between University of Oregon runner Phil Knight and his coach, Bill Bowerman, in 1963. Their first footwear design under the Nike name came out in 1970 with a distinctive waffle outsole, still seen today in the Waffle Racer. The Nike Air technology was patented a few years later allowing the duo to create the Air Force 1. The brand is still at the forefront of sports innovation and research today, and regularly update classic sneaker styles like the Dunk, Air Max 90 and Air Max 95. The ACG line and collaborations with brands including Comme des Garçons and Stüssy also keep Nike fresh and relevant.