Nike Inc. is a major United States company with HQ near the Portland region of Oregon. It is a clear world leader in athletic shoe and sportswear supply. In 2008 Nike employed worldwide over 30,000 people. The company began in 1964 as Blue Ribbon Sports and officially became Nike Inc. in 1978. Nike uses its own other brand names including Converse and Umbro. Nike sponsors many high profile athletes and sports teams around the world. A representative sample might include the Air Classic, an elite running shoe, adapted for casual wear. The Nike Air Max is engineered to give cushioned protection against punishing impacts. The company name is from Nike the Greek goddess of victory. The huge style choices all have the trademark Nike Swoosh logo.