Buying sneakers is an expensive enough business, yet shoppers are now willing to dish out hundreds of dollars on footwear- and they might want to spend even more in the future.
Speaking of big brands, chances are you already have a pair of Nike shoes in your closet. Most of us do. In fact, half of sports shoes in the United States are made by Nike. Not to mention that at least 95% of basketball shoes sold in the US are Nike.
This article explains Nike’s huge popularity and the reason behind their price tags compared to other brands in the market. But first, let’s have a brief history:
Table of Contents
Nike Brand History
Nike was founded in 1964 by middle-distance runner Phil Knight and track coach Bill Bowerman. The company was initially called “Blue Ribbon Sports,” which later in 1971 changed to “Nike Inc,” named after the Greek Goddess of triumph. Their primary idea was to design, manufacture and sell the most suitable shoe for college track stars.
The iconic swoosh logo we see everywhere today cost Nike 35 bucks to plan and was created by a Portland State University graphic design student. Over the years since Nike started selling shoes, the company has been relentlessly looking for ways to make their shoes better and better for sports.
In the 1970s, Nike released the Cortez, a sports shoe that features a cushioned midsole for excellent comfort. They also released the AirSole shoes with a shock-absorbing system. These innovations are currently the Air Zoom features of modern Nike running shoes. Nonetheless, below are reasons why Nike is so expensive.
Products Quality
First up, Nike product quality is worth it if you choose to buy wisely. For instance, most of their shoes that cost around $50-$70 are not promoted, yet many of their customers often buy these shoes. This is because they offer the right performance and probably because they are great for walking and everyday life.
Nike also values the customer, and both the quality and reliability of their products are related to the justifications of the high prices of their quality. Nike products also have the philosophy of making your sports experience better. That means with a pair of Nike sneakers, you’re likely to have a great encounter.
Nike Product Materials
On their official webpage, Nike states, “We aim to use the best possible version of every material.” As such, the materials used in making their shoes are only the resources needed and no more. The material is used sustainably. The brand has developed a strategy that focuses more on delivering sustainable options under three material categories, Derived, Raised and Grown.
Derived: Synthetic Material
Nike generally uses resources responsibly through innovation and capable technology. The company also invests in training to ensure safe environments for better and secure manufacturing. Their main derived materials are EVA, Polyester, and Flyleather.
Grown Material
These types of materials that are provided keeping responsible land use in mind. The global is facing deforestation issues every day, and we all know the need for protecting endangered species and forests. On that note, Nike takes into account responsible water use, therefore being efficient and using less of it.
The main grown materials used by Nike are: The Wood Pulp (made from wood, mostly used on paper and packaging), Sustainable Cotton available in organic, recycled, and BCI (Better Cotton Initiative), and Natural Rubber (a milky colloidal material naturally produced by some plants)
Raised Material: From Animals
Some of us are not a big fan of these materials due to the huge controversy concerning animal treatment in farms to supply big companies with materials. At any rate, Nike says they use these materials mindfully, meaning they utilize less through innovation, recycling, and efficiency improvements.
Some of the main raised materials are Down (underlying feathers collected from birds, mostly used for insulation), Wool (material obtained from the hair of ship and such animals, commonly used for blankets, sweaters, etc.), and Leather (the material used in shoes, belts, and jackets).
Nike’s Cutting-Edge Technology
Nike often says they deliver new sneaker technology before others even think of developing it. A perfect example of this is the HyperAdapt sneaker. This sneaker technology automatically tightens the laces after you put them on. It’s has been designed with sensors that adapt the shoe to the shape of your foot, meaning you won’t have to force your feet into the shoe.
Wearers can also use two buttons on the side of the shoe to help adjust the fit until satisfaction. Still, HyperAdapt isn’t the only technology innovation Nike has brought to the footwear market.
Nike promotes the NikeZoom Butterfly 4% as providing your stride an extra bounce that improves your running speed by 4% on long-distance runs.
There’s also the Flyknit built quality. Since 2012, Nike sneakers come with uppers made with Flyknit: a seamless fabric created with the help of a computer that designs the whole upper part of the shoe. Flyknit is more flexible, never tight, and definitely lasts longer.
It is lighter than other fabrics, yet it is just as strong. In fact, competing brands are now employing their own versions of Flyknit, but Nike’s fabric for uppers is still the lightest on the market, making Nikes worth the price. Still, Nike didn’t stop with Flyknit.
Nike Shoes Are Versatile
Nike shoes are designed to look great for all casual activities. These are not those shoes that you can only wear to the gym. They are meant to look great for all casual activities. They will be in fashion next year the same way they are now. Indeed with Nike shoes, you don’t need to worry about having certain shoes for every casual occasion. They are practically versatile, ideal for almost every outfit.
Nike’s Excellent Comfort Level
No doubts that most people wear Nike because they’re comfortable. They are great wearing around the hood and for low-key, casual events. Furthermore, if you don’t need unique fashion, top-notch technology, the brand has dozens of great shoes for any comfort level.
Nike Shoes Are Relatable
Nike is a guru when it comes to influencer marketing. The brand sells $3 billion worth of its Air Jordan sneakers per year. Well, Michal Jordan is arguably the best-known influencer for Nike. Still, the company also manages to reach rappers and rockers, and artists who often spend thousands of bucks on just the right Nike shoe for stage appearances. Relatable models generate sales, so even when some people don’t like the figures representing Nike, the brand keeps its products on your mind, so it feels natural buying them.