Nike during the French Days
The Nike selection for the French Days brings together shoes, clothing and accessories from the American brand: Pegasus and Vomero running shoes, Mercurial football boots, archive-inspired sneakers, Dri-FIT training clothes, and Tech Fleece sweatshirts. From runners to footballers, everyone can find a piece marked with the Swoosh at a discounted price during the promotion.
The Swoosh brand, at a discounted price.
From Blue Ribbon Sports to Nike
Nike was founded in 1964 under the name of Blue Ribbon Sports, established in Oregon by track coach Bill Bowerman and one of his former runners, Phil Knight. The company initially imported Japanese shoes before creating its own models and adopting, in 1971, the name of the Greek goddess of victory. That same year, graphic design student Carolyn Davidson created the Swoosh, which has become one of the most recognised logos in the world. Bowerman, always in search of lightness, poured rubber into the family waffle maker to invent the Waffle sole, which equipped the Waffle Trainer launched in 1974, marking the brand's debut on the tracks.
Other Brands
The French Days brands also include:
All brands are gathered on the brands page.
Running: Pegasus, Vomero and Air cushioning
Running remains the DNA of Nike. The Pegasus, launched in 1983, is the brand's all-purpose shoe, designed for daily training and regularly updated since. The Vomero focuses on a more generous cushioning for long runs and runners in search of comfort. The Air cushioning, a pressurized gas pocket housed in the sole, appeared in the late 1970s before becoming visible in 1987 with the first Air Max, designed by Tinker Hatfield. The ZoomX and ReactX foams now equip training and competition models, being lighter and more dynamic than the original foams.
Football: Mercurial, Phantom and Tiempo
On the fields, Nike offers three main families of football boots. The Mercurial, introduced in 1998, is the speed shoe, very light, worn by forwards like Kylian Mbappé. The Phantom targets creative players, with a textured upper that enhances control and precise strikes. The Tiempo, historically made of leather, prioritises comfort and ball feel, favoured by defenders and midfielders. Each model comes in several levels, from the Elite for professionals to the more accessible Academy and Club versions, and in soles suitable for natural grass, synthetic surfaces or indoor use.
Sizing of Nike shoes and clothing
Nike shoes are chosen based on the length of the foot in centimetres, as shown on the brand's guide, which also indicates US sizes. Some models of running and football shoes fit narrow: a wide foot benefits from trying on a half size up, or a wide version when available. As for clothing, each item specifies the fit: close to the body, standard, or loose. The Tech Fleece, for instance, has a rather fitted cut. You keep your usual size for a standard fit and take the next size up if you want more room in a fitted cut, especially for layering in winter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What country is Nike from?
Nike is an American brand, founded in 1964 in Oregon, where its headquarters is still located, in Beaverton. Its products are manufactured by partners, mainly in Asia, like most major sports brands.
Which Nike should I choose for a marathon?
For training, a cushioned shoe like the Vomero or Pegasus handles the volume of preparation weeks. On race day, fast runners opt for a competition model with a carbon plate and ZoomX foam, like the Vaporfly or Alphafly.
Which Nike for doing Hyrox?
Hyrox alternates eight times a kilometre of running and a strengthening station: you need a shoe that is cushioned enough for running and stable enough for pushing the sled and doing lunges. Many prefer a firm and versatile running shoe rather than a very soft model.
How to wash a Nike Dri-FIT garment?
Technical Dri-FIT clothing can be washed at thirty degrees, inside out, without fabric softener, which clogs the fibres and reduces moisture wicking. Avoid the tumble dryer: these fabrics dry very quickly in the air.
How to clean white Nike shoes?
First, brush off any dust, then clean the upper with a soft brush and soapy water, without soaking the shoe. The white soles can be restored with a rubber eraser or some baking soda, and they should dry away from the radiator.
