Zip Around Closure & Single Top Handle Insulated & Interior Elastic Storage Loop All-Over Screen Print Pattern & Applied Nike Swoosh Logo It started with a handshake between two visionary Oregonians - Bowerman & his University of Oregon runner Phil Knight. They & the people they hired evolved and grew the company that became Nike from a U.S. based footwear distributor to a global marketer of athletic footwear, apparel & equipment that is unrivaled in the world.