Since its humble start on the tracks of Eugene, Oregon in the late 1960s and early 1970s, Nike has grown to be the largest athletic shoe company on the planet. No other footwear company's logo is as widely recognized and respected by everyone from non-athletes to the top pros. The Nike Swoosh logo and "Just Do It" slogan have taken on lives of their own.
It started with running. Nike's "running geek" founders experimented with new soles for track shoes, even pouring rubber into a standard waffle iron to invent the first "waffle" tread pattern – a design that revolutionized running shoes. The company soon branched into tennis, basketball, soccer and most other major sports.
At Altrec we have three Nike stores:
In 1989, Nike began moving into the outdoor market, launching a division called Nike ACG (short for "All Conditions Gear"). Focusing first on adventure racing and trail running, the outdoor line has grown over the years to include light hiking boots, approach shoes and streamside footwear, like water shoes and performance sandals.
Renaming their Nike 6.0 brand to Nike Action, this collection encompasses a youthful lineup of everything from hoodies, boardshorts, and skate shoes, to flat brim hats and backpacks.
Besides shoes, Nike also manufactures outdoor accessories, equipment and apparel such as lumbar packs, larger day packs with hydration bladders, and sweat-wicking technical clothing, including but certainly not limited to:
But the main focus has always been the footwear. Nike has taken 30 years of experience in running shoes and applied it to the off-pavement environment – offering a wide selection of rugged, stable trail wear that can keep up with anything else on the market.
All of Nike's boots and shoes are developed in conjunction with a team of adventure racing athletes and mountain guides, who help design the shoes from the trail up – testing them in training and expeditions and reporting back to Nike's lab. While developed by core adventurers, the shoes are meant to appeal to everyday athletes who depend on their footwear to handle the rigors of trail and stream.
The skies are clear for the moment, the fresh air is plentiful and you want to take your workout outside. Gear up with Nike and don't waste another second in front of your computer screen – Altrec has compiled a few not-to-miss collections to help you find exactly what you're looking for.
If you don't let a day go by without a hit of running endorphins or you've got a busy cross-training schedule in the gym lined up, check out our lineup of Nike Run and Fitness gear. Including running and cross training shoes, warm weather athletic clothing and versatile workout apparel, these items will help you go longer, faster, and stronger.
Nike developed their Nike Lunar Shoes for a better fit with less weight. Utilizing Lunarlon foam cushioning underfoot for a responsive, soft and springy ride, with Dynamic Support for just the right amount of stability and a light yet strong Flywire lacing system for a supportive fit that adapts to your foot shape, these shoes will not disappoint. For men, women and kids, the Nike Lunar shoe lines include:
So you've got your running shoes dialed, now step up your running game with an item from Altrec's favorite Nike Equipment and Accessories Collection. Improve your training time with a Nike SPARQ Power Ball or Parachute, or pick up the Nike+ iPod Sensor Kit so you can track your run and keep up with fitness goals. Tote all this new gear to and from your gym with one of the Nike Backpacks. Don't miss the all-mesh Brasilia packs to help your sweaty gear dry out on your way home.
What started as Nike's answer to the barefoot running and minimalist movements, has ballooned into the all-encompassing Nike Free Collection. Lightweight, breathable meshy uppers built onto an incredibly flexible waffle midsole/outsole combo results in a feather light running shoe with just the right amount of cushion and support, and a low-to-the-ground stable base that's perfect for indoor workouts and CrossFit punishments. Check out these favorites Altrec has procured for your running enjoyment:
While we all celebrate the professionals, the stars and the Olympians, Nike focuses on the everyday athlete when they're developing their shoes and clothing. They know that everyone is capable of finding their own greatness. Let Altrec help connect you with the gear that's perfect for your sport.
