Nike shoes are a popular choice for athletes and everyday wearers alike. But where are Nike shoes made? And what goes into the process of making a pair of Nike shoes? Let’s take a closer look.
Nike shoes are made all over the world. Nike has factories in China, Vietnam, and Indonesia. However, the majority of Nike shoes are made in China. Almost all Nike shoes sold in Nike stores and elsewhere around the world will have been produced in one of these countries.
These production locations apply for most other Nike products including Nike clothing and most Nike shoes, including athletic shoes, basketball shoes, and running shoes.
Many other footwear brands have a similar manufacturing footprint.
Nike has been accused at times of poor working conditions in its factories. In 2010, a report by Human Rights Watch found that workers at a Nike factory in Vietnam were being treated poorly. The workers were paid low wages, made to work excessive hours, and were not given proper safety equipment.
Nike claims that it is committed to improving working conditions in its factories. In 2017, Nike released a report detailing its progress in improving working conditions. The company said that it had increased wages, improved safety conditions, and reduced working hours.
Despite these efforts, Nike has continued to face criticism for the working conditions in its factories. In 2019, a report by the Clean Clothes Campaign found that workers at a Nike factory in Indonesia were being paid below minimum wage, made to work excessive hours, and was not given proper safety equipment.
Nike has said that it is committed to improving working conditions in its factories. The company has increased wages, improved safety conditions, and reduced working hours. However, Nike has continued to face criticism for the working conditions in its factories.
What Goes Into The Process Of Making A Pair Of Nike Shoes?
The process of making a Nike shoe is a complex one. It involves multiple steps and takes place all over the world.
Nike shoes are made from synthetic materials. The material for the upper part of the shoe is called polyurethane, and the material for the sole is called ethylene-vinyl acetate.
The materials are sent to factories in China, Vietnam, and Indonesia. The shoes are then assembled at these factories. After the shoes are assembled, they are sent to Nike’s headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon, where they are put through a series of tests.
If the shoes pass the tests, they are then shipped to stores all over the world.
Most Popular Nike Shoes
This year, some of the popular Nike shoes include Nike Air Max, Nike Air Jordan 1, Dunk, SB Dump, and Blazer. Waffle One is also popular.
Nikes Are A Favorite For Streetwear
Because we like to look at shoes through the lens of streetwear and collectibles, From a streetwear standpoint, Nike technical runners aren’t typically seen as “popular” in the running scene, but they are popular in the sport.
The Nike Air Force 1 Is One Of The Best “Basic” Sneakers On The Market
One of the most sought-after sneakers of all time, the Nike Air Force 1 is one of the most sought-after sneakers for collectors.
The AF1 is one of those shoes that doesn’t need to be pumped up to be popular. This has a lot in common with the Blazer, except that it’s a lot more “streetwear-ready.”
Everything from limited-edition pairs and collaborations to re-releases and retros is part of the mix. Frequent colorways sell out despite the fanfare, but you may still get a pair for a reasonable price if you’re a fan of the Nike brand.
These AF1s in white on white are a go-to favorite because they are always in stock and easy to spot. At any given time on social media, you’ll see a ton of posts about white/white Air Force 1s being worn by both sneakerheads and those who aren’t.
The design of the shoe may be problematic, yet the public still gravitates toward it because of its always-trendy appearance. Premium pairs like Craft are always available for individuals who desire the same look but in a more refined form.
Top Nike Air Max Shoes Of All Time
In general, the “Big Three” Air Max models continue to be widely popular. These are the Nike Air Max 1, 90, and 95 models.
There’s a good reason why the Nike Air Max is one of the popular models. The shoes evoke a look from a bygone period for me, yet they also have a timeless quality to them.
A particular wave of Air Maxes, for example, is extremely popular. For the 1, 95, and 90 series, new releases and renown are a constant. None of these styles will disappoint you if you’re looking for a shoe that manages to seem both vintage and current at the same time.
The Air Max 1 is, of course, a time-honored icon of the sport. With its Air unit in the midsole, Tinker Hatfield’s design marks a historical moment. White/red or obsidian are OG hues that are a no-brainer when it comes to colorways. Although there are numerous colorways of the sneaker, there are always a variety of possibilities to choose from.
The Air Max 90 and the Air Max 95 are similar in that they both feature a mesh upper. I love the Air Max 90, and when it comes to this model, the OG Infrared is unquestionably the must-have. Regardless, new colorways for the AM90 and 95 are constantly being released, frequently reflecting popular “colors” of the year or season, and so remain in style.
The Air Jordan 1 Is Still A Hot Item
For decades, the Air Jordan 1 has been one of Nike’s most anticipated sneakers. Even though its popularity has peaked and troughed over the years, it remains the gold standard among popular Nikes today.
Buying the Air Jordan 1 High will impress sneakerheads and collectors. The 1985 design of the sneaker makes it a no-brainer to sell out.
No cut or colorway is exempt from being sold out and commanding high resell prices.
When it comes to popularity and hype, this shoe exemplifies the two. The Air Jordan 1 has the added benefit of being pumped up in the sneaker world, making it more popular than the Air Maxes discussed earlier. There is a good chance that you will not be able to find an AJ1 in a typical shoe store, but you may be able to find some Air Maxes.
What about Fake Nike Shoes?
“Fake” Nike shoes with the Nike logo may typically reach the market in two ways. One is another factory copying the design of Nike goods (including the Nike logo) and making their own ripoff version instead of using their own brand. Another possibility is for a real Nike-authorized factory to create a production overrun leading to extra finished goods inventory that they could sell illegally via the grey market without Nike’s permission. This is a common problem for footwear companies and fashion brands since factories in China and other Asian countries have the raw materials as well as specialized knowledge of the manufacturing process and may not always. Other luxury brands are not immune to this challenge.