Blog Post

World's largest supplier of athletic shoes and apparel, Nike sets world record

November 13, 2024

Beaverton, Oregon, United States--Nike, Inc. (stylized as NIKE), an American athletic footwear and apparel corporation headquartered near Beaverton, Oregon, United States, the owner of a number of brands, including Nike, Converse, and Jordan, has 1,100 retail stores in the United States and internationally, and employs approximately 75,400 workers worldwide; boasting a brand value of over 30 billion U.S. dollars and revenue in excess of US$46 billion in its fiscal year 2022, Nike (NYSE: NKE) sets the world record for being the World's largest supplier of athletic shoes and apparel, according to the WORLD RECORD ACADEMY.

"Perhaps one of the most recognizable brands on the planet, thanks to the 'Swoosh' logo and "Just Do It" slogan, Nike is the world's largest supplier and manufacturer of athletic shoes and apparel, as well as a major supplier of sports equipment," the Statista says.

"Nike, Inc. is the owner of a number of brands, including Nike, Converse, and Jordan, and the company is headquartered in Beaverton, Oregon, United States. Some of the other big players within the industry are adidas, Puma, and Under Armour.

"Nike is the most valuable apparel brand, boasting a brand value of over 30 billion U.S. dollars. In other words, Nike is not just the world’s leading sports clothing brand, it is also the single most valuable apparel brand overall."

"Nike, Inc. (stylized as NIKE) is an American athletic footwear and apparel corporation headquartered near Beaverton, Oregon, United States.

"It is the world's largest supplier of athletic shoes and apparel and a major manufacturer of sports equipment, with revenue in excess of US$46 billion in its fiscal year 2022.

"Nike markets its products under its own brand, as well as Nike Golf, Nike Pro, Nike+, Nike Blazers, Air Force 1, Nike Dunk, Air Max, Foamposite, Nike Skateboarding, Nike CR7, and subsidiaries including Air Jordan and Converse. Nike also owned Bauer Hockey from 1995 to 2008, and previously owned Cole Haan, Umbro, and Hurley International.

"As of 2024, it employed 83,700 people worldwide. In 2020, the brand alone was valued in excess of $32 billion, making it the most valuable brand among sports businesses." (Wikipedia)

"NIKE, Inc. is a team comprised of the Nike, Jordan and Converse brands driven by a shared purpose to leave an enduring impact," the official website says.

"With a global footprint, culture of innovation and team-first mentality, we take action to create a future of continual progress for athletes, sport and our world."

"NIKE, Inc. engages in the design, development, marketing, and sale of athletic footwear, apparel, accessories, equipment, and services. It operates through the following segments: North America; Europe, Middle East & Africa; Greater China; Asia Pacific & Latin America; Global Brand Divisions; Converse; and Corporate," the Forbes says.

"The North America; Europe, Middle East & Africa; Greater China; and Asia Pacific & Latin America segments refers to the design, development, marketing, and selling of athletic footwear, apparel, and equipment.

"The Global Brand Divisions represents NIKE Brand licensing businesses. The Converse segment designs, markets, licenses, and sells casual sneakers, apparel, and accessories. The Corporate segment consists of unallocated general and administrative expenses."

"Sneakers are more than just footwear; they’re a statement, a culture, and serious business. The brands dominating the sneaker game have redefined the industry and captured the hearts of millions, all while raking in billions. Here’s a rundown of the world’s largest sneaker brands by revenue, plus some fun facts about the celebs who swear by them," the klatmag.com says.

Nike – $51.4 Billion

"Nike, the undisputed king of sneakers, continues to dominate the market with its innovative designs and iconic swoosh logo. Founded in 1964, Nike has revolutionized the sneaker industry with models like the classic Air Force 1, Air Max, Air Jordan, and the latest Nike React series.

Celebrity Fans: LeBron James, Serena Williams, and Drake are often spotted in their Nike gear. LeBron even has his own line of Nike basketball shoes!"

"The largest collection of sneakers / trainers consists of 2,388 pairs and is owned by Jordy Geller (USA) based in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, as of 17 May 2012," the Guinness World Records says.

"Jordy has termed the warehouse where the sneakers are based the 'ShoeZeum' and he owns the largest and most comprehensive collection of Nikes in the world."

"The most expensive trainers (sneakers) sold at auction are a pair of Nike Air Jordan XIIIs, game-worn by Michael Jordan in 1998, which were sold for $2,200,000 (£1,700,000; €2,022,013) by Sotheby's, on 11 April 2023," the Guinness World Records says.

"The shoes were worn by Jordan in the second half of the Chicago Bulls game against Utah Jazz, in which Bulls went to win 93-88."

"The company’s world headquarters are situated near Beaverton, Oregon, in the Portland metropolitan area (USA). It is a major producer of sports equipment and one of the world’s largest suppliers of athletic shoes and apparel," the official website says.

"It employs more than 44,000 people worldwide and in 2014 the brand alone was valued as $19 billion (€17,5 billion), making it the most valuable brand between sports businesses.

"Founded by Bill Bowerman and Phil Knight on January 25 1964, as Blue Ribbon Sports, the company became officially Nike, Inc. on May 30 1971. The company was named after the Greek goddess of victory, Nike (Νίκη)."

"Nike (NKE) is the largest seller of athletic footwear and apparel in the world. Its business is focused on product design and development, marketing, and sales. Key product categories are running, basketball, the Jordan Brand, soccer, training, and sportswear," the Investopedia says.

"Nike has 1,100 retail stores in the United States and internationally, and employs approximately 75,400 workers worldwide. For the 2020 fiscal year, it reported $37.4 billion in revenue.

"Nike is supplied by 122 footwear factories located in 12 countries. For fiscal 2020, contract factories in Vietnam, Indonesia, and China manufactured approximately 50%, 24%, and 22% of total Nike Brand footwear, respectively. The company also contracts with 329 apparel manufacturers operating in 38 countries. China is its largest source of apparel at 28%, followed by Vietnam with 23% and Thailand at 12%."

"Nike, Inc., is one of the largest and best-recognized global sports and athleticwear brands. Its extensive lineup includes its long-running Air Jordan, Air Force 1, and other “Air” models," the Britannica says.

"Converse shoes and apparel (including those bearing the iconic Chuck Taylor All Stars logo) have also been a part of Nike since its 2003 acquisition.

"Nike is known for its celebrity endorsement deals with top athletes, including Tiger Woods, LeBron James, and Serena Williams. The company has stayed relevant with consumers over the years through its savvy marketing, which includes embracing controversial topics."

"Nike, Inc. is a multinational corporation based out of Oregon. It is known as the world’s largest supplier of athletic shoes and apparel. It was originally called Blue Ribbon Sports, and founded by Phil Knight and Bill Bowerman. They started the shoe business by importing athletic shoes from Japan," the Barletby.com says.

"In 1964, during the first year of business, Blue Ribbon Sports sold 1300 pairs of Japanese running shoes grossing around $8,000. In 1965 the company hired its first full-time employee with sales reaching around $20,000. With sales starting to soar, the company decided to expand to other areas of the United States. On May 30, 1971 the company officially became Nike, Inc."

Photos: World's largest supplier of athletic shoes and apparel, Nike sets world record

(1) NBA superstar Kevin Durant shoots hoops at NIKE, Inc.’s JDI Day/Nike

(2) NBA legend Ray Allen practices his golf swing along with NIKE, Inc. employees on JDI Day./Nike

(3) Sheryl Swoopes, Kevin Durant, Chris Matthews (Lethal Shooter), Jason Sudeikis and Janine Beckie gathered for NIKE, Inc.’s JDI Day./Nike

(4) Breaker Kid Karam performs at JDI Day.

(5) Pro snowboarder Cai Xuetong hits the pickleball court with NIKE, Inc. employees at JDI Day.

(6) NIKE, Inc. President and CEO John Donahoe in conversation with co-founder Phil Knight.

(7) Doernbecher Freestyle is a unique partnership between NIKE, Inc. and Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) Doernbecher Children’s Hospital that began in 2004 and has raised $37 million for the hospital since its inception. Each year, the program provides six Doernbecher patients the opportunity to create inspiring footwear designs that are auctioned and sold to benefit the hospital as a signature fundraiser.

(8) Celebrating the 35th anniversary of the Air Jordan IV, this reimagined treatment of the AJ IV brings back the Bred colorway with premium leather as the leading material. It releases in full family and extended sizing.

(9) A heritage twist on a classic colorway, this Air Jordan V features hits of lucky green on the midsole, the collar, and the lateral "23,"with OG treatments on the pebbled leather upper, the Kurim grid and the translucent outsole. It releases in women’s sizing.

(10) Inspired by classic Carmine color-blocking, this Air Jordan VI features leather for the white overlays, nubuck for the yellow underlays and an ice blue translucent outsole. It releases in full family sizing.

(11) Celebrating the silhouette’s 30th anniversary, this Air Jordan IX returns in the famous dark powder blue colorway for the first time since 2010 and is re-engineered to the OG ’93 specs. It releases in Full Family sizing.

(12) Inspired by the color-blocking of the OG white/true red colorway released in 1998, this Air Jordan XIII features a white leather and textile upper, a gray midsole and black pods along the outsole. It releases in full family sizing.