Bowerman designed the Cor 1

Bowerman created the successful Cortez shoe for American athletes. Sales reached $1.3 million in 1971, but Onitsuka wanted control and Phil created Nike instead. A graphic design student made the famous swoosh logo, and the brand was named Nike after the goddess of victory. Bowerman designed the Cortez, a shoe tailored for American athletes, which became a massive success. By 1971, blue ribbon sales soared to $1.3 million. However, Onitsuka's greed led them to demand a controlling stake in blue ribbon. Phil refused and decided to create his own brand, Nike. A graphic design student created the now iconic swoosh logo, and the brand was named after the Greek goddess of victory.