- 211
- 11
- Joined
- Apr 18, 2012
Very interesting thread. Thanks for sharing!
- 786
- 23
- Joined
- Jan 14, 2001
jbv1-
I do feel like I worked there during the "golden era", but that could just be nostalgia. I don't think any of us could predict how huge the retro market would become. Keep in mind that this was before the internet allowed shoe freaks to exchange information and conduct transactions online. I was probably one of the first campus employees to join NT (2001).
I guess Jordan Brand changed after Michael Jordan retired - it's not the same as when we could watch him compete. I hope thay find their direction, because NIKE Basketball is destroying Brand Jordan in terms of design and execution. But again, they are incredibly successful at what they do. We need to remember that, as a community, shoe heads are a very small part of the big picture. We're more vocal and passionate, but they have to sell a Spizike to create the next Air Jordan.
I also can't comprehend how Brand Jordan systematically butchers every single signature basketball shoe year after year. Wade, CP, and Melo should be pissed.
I do feel like I worked there during the "golden era", but that could just be nostalgia. I don't think any of us could predict how huge the retro market would become. Keep in mind that this was before the internet allowed shoe freaks to exchange information and conduct transactions online. I was probably one of the first campus employees to join NT (2001).
I guess Jordan Brand changed after Michael Jordan retired - it's not the same as when we could watch him compete. I hope thay find their direction, because NIKE Basketball is destroying Brand Jordan in terms of design and execution. But again, they are incredibly successful at what they do. We need to remember that, as a community, shoe heads are a very small part of the big picture. We're more vocal and passionate, but they have to sell a Spizike to create the next Air Jordan.
I also can't comprehend how Brand Jordan systematically butchers every single signature basketball shoe year after year. Wade, CP, and Melo should be pissed.
mobbyluii
Banned
- 330
- 11
- Joined
- May 15, 2012
Originally Posted by thapointguy
Can I get a Swoosh account invite?Just kidding mods
Spoiler [+]Pm me if you have it and want to help out.
All jokes aside, Was there an Athlete that was gonna get his own signature shoe line but for whatever reason didn't?
- 786
- 23
- Joined
- Jan 14, 2001
/\/\/\/\/\/\
I guess Kevin Garnett. He wanted an entire Original Block Family (OBF) sub-brand like Jordan, and he hadn't won anything yet. I was really sad when he left NIKE.
I guess Kevin Garnett. He wanted an entire Original Block Family (OBF) sub-brand like Jordan, and he hadn't won anything yet. I was really sad when he left NIKE.
- 1,784
- 137
- Joined
- Jul 22, 2004
Also, thanks for the info Rock. It's very good to know Nike intentionally creates frenzies when they release shoes. All its going to take is the next guy that gets shot, beat up, etc to sue Nike for damages.
Though I am a corporate/transactional lawyer, I have a few freinds that are tort lawyers/ambulence chasers. This sounds like something they may be intrerested in pursuing if they get get a group of people together that got hurt at store releases. At the very least, someone could file a claim and make Nike's life painful and expensive through document discovery. Base on your statements (and clearly you have an in with Nike based on all the exclusive things you get) and those of the former Nike basketball employee, there's certainly reason to beleive Nike knows exactly what it is doing. Should be able to make it past a Motion To Dismiss without a problem. I think I've seen news reports with people's names that have been hurt.
Hmm......
Though I am a corporate/transactional lawyer, I have a few freinds that are tort lawyers/ambulence chasers. This sounds like something they may be intrerested in pursuing if they get get a group of people together that got hurt at store releases. At the very least, someone could file a claim and make Nike's life painful and expensive through document discovery. Base on your statements (and clearly you have an in with Nike based on all the exclusive things you get) and those of the former Nike basketball employee, there's certainly reason to beleive Nike knows exactly what it is doing. Should be able to make it past a Motion To Dismiss without a problem. I think I've seen news reports with people's names that have been hurt.
Hmm......
- 3,774
- 751
- Joined
- Apr 3, 2011
this thread is awesome. my dream job is to become a designer at Nike some day (after college) and hopefully have a chance to intern.
i would love to see some old collection pics if you have any!
i would love to see some old collection pics if you have any!
- 18,412
- 5,848
- Joined
- Dec 23, 2003
sounds like a plan
nikedealer
Banned
- 1,615
- 171
- Joined
- Mar 10, 2011
Hovkid.. you know we go way back lol...
With all that has happened to folks Malls being trashed.. Kids being beat up... you know as a lawyer... even on the corporate level that Nike holds NO liability as the Manufacturer/ Distributor...
It took them THIS long to say they no longer endorse folks doing Midnite releases? Come on now... the last thing THEY are worried about is a lawsuit blaming THEM for intentionally causing a frenzy. As a marketing person who has been in the biz a LONG time.. I encourage and support causing a frenzy to get consumers excited about your product.
However.. one thing remains.. No one including Nike is holding a gun to any consumers head to purchase the product.
If there are safety concerns it lays on the retailer for holding a midnight release in neighborhoods I grew up in but wouldnt frequent myself at midnite.
CWK.. I think NIKE wishes they'd thought of that idea first if there were a backstory supporting the actual design. Im surprised you'd say they wouldn't. Society as it is is very sensitive to things they shouldn't be.
Jesse Jackson nor Al Sharpton speak for me and my family. If you dont like shackles.. dont buy them is what I say. Just like any other shoe one doesn't like. But thats just for me because I dont speak for all black people.
With all that has happened to folks Malls being trashed.. Kids being beat up... you know as a lawyer... even on the corporate level that Nike holds NO liability as the Manufacturer/ Distributor...
It took them THIS long to say they no longer endorse folks doing Midnite releases? Come on now... the last thing THEY are worried about is a lawsuit blaming THEM for intentionally causing a frenzy. As a marketing person who has been in the biz a LONG time.. I encourage and support causing a frenzy to get consumers excited about your product.
However.. one thing remains.. No one including Nike is holding a gun to any consumers head to purchase the product.
If there are safety concerns it lays on the retailer for holding a midnight release in neighborhoods I grew up in but wouldnt frequent myself at midnite.
CWK.. I think NIKE wishes they'd thought of that idea first if there were a backstory supporting the actual design. Im surprised you'd say they wouldn't. Society as it is is very sensitive to things they shouldn't be.
Jesse Jackson nor Al Sharpton speak for me and my family. If you dont like shackles.. dont buy them is what I say. Just like any other shoe one doesn't like. But thats just for me because I dont speak for all black people.
- 873
- 43
- Joined
- Aug 7, 2009
I have a good friend whos been with finishline for probably about 7 years now and he tells me that hes applied numerous times to nike but no luck. I just want to know is it only about who you know with nike because it is so competitive I would assume you would have to have some type of connect to get in.
- 892
- 10
- Joined
- Jan 24, 2009
1st of all, nice thread....... Not basketball related, but I saw this as a great opportunity regardless. I'm a military member who trains in wet/mountainous regions and I usually wear the Nike SFB (Special Field Boot) on a daily basis. However, I addressed this issue with Nike a few months ago. While these are great for desert regions and flat lands, they do a complete 180 when worn for cold weather or mountainside training. When the weather gets to at least 50, you can feel the cold in your toes regardless of socks. And the whole moisture wicking material on the boot is a crock. I suggested a gore-tex version and also temperate/hot weather versions, kind of like Oakley, Belleville, Danner, etc..... From an R&D perspective in general, do they listen to these types of suggestions ? (And trust me, its not just me with these issues).......I figured Nike would already have these in place, seeing how Bill Bowerman was part of the famed 10th Mountain Division, Ft Drum NY........One thing I did appreciate was this. They distrubute the boots to mil-spec retailers in the same complex as military exchages for MSRP + tax . They weren't selling well, because of that. I asked why don't they just cut these guys out of the equation and sell them at the exchanges. 2 days later they arrived at 1 of the exchanges near me, and they sold out like the Ray Allen XIII's!!!! I doubt it was my question that prompted this, but kudos to them anyway.
- 32
- 10
- Joined
- Apr 2, 2012
One of the best threads I have read lurking the past 3/4 years!!! Thanks for all the information shared
- 786
- 23
- Joined
- Jan 14, 2001
devildoc76 - First, thanks so much for your service. My dad was in Army Intelligence. I don't have any experience with military product. I would urge you to start by sending customer service an email with all the information you shared here. They definitely record and track all feedback.
manifresh - It's very much who you know when it comes to getting an interview. Your friend is ahead of the game by working in retail and having access to reps. He needs to introduce himself to the reps and explain that he's interested in pursuing a career with NIKE. He can then offer to help out with other clinics and events. That's what I did. If there are any NIKE retail stores in his area (Outlets, Clearance Stores, or NIKETOWN) he should strongly consider applying there as well to get in the system and meet more people at the corporate level.
manifresh - It's very much who you know when it comes to getting an interview. Your friend is ahead of the game by working in retail and having access to reps. He needs to introduce himself to the reps and explain that he's interested in pursuing a career with NIKE. He can then offer to help out with other clinics and events. That's what I did. If there are any NIKE retail stores in his area (Outlets, Clearance Stores, or NIKETOWN) he should strongly consider applying there as well to get in the system and meet more people at the corporate level.
- 7,138
- 6,237
- Joined
- Mar 1, 2007
cwk and rock. Thanks for the insight on how it is at Nike. I will be glued to this thread!
- 13,917
- 5,869
- Joined
- Sep 28, 2004
CWK, I appreciate the time you're taking to read and respond to questions...
You mentioned dreams, internships, and moving away, so I hope I'm not off base here by saying you carry/carried that passion for shoes/nike/basketball. Did you feel fellow employees carried through with that same passion? I ask this because recently I spoke with another NT member and he basically stated that a Nike rep was at his buddies shop, and she knew NOTHING of a few specific models. They read through pamphlets. While others know what originals look like, feel like, what retros should be about, and the history. My passion is Nike cross trainers 87-91. Are their passionate people intertwined at different levels of Nike? Like most things, it's about who you know. And not always WHAT.. I believe that golden era of hoops goes hand in hand with passionate employees.... I can see what direction they have taken. But an insiders perspective would be nice.
You mentioned dreams, internships, and moving away, so I hope I'm not off base here by saying you carry/carried that passion for shoes/nike/basketball. Did you feel fellow employees carried through with that same passion? I ask this because recently I spoke with another NT member and he basically stated that a Nike rep was at his buddies shop, and she knew NOTHING of a few specific models. They read through pamphlets. While others know what originals look like, feel like, what retros should be about, and the history. My passion is Nike cross trainers 87-91. Are their passionate people intertwined at different levels of Nike? Like most things, it's about who you know. And not always WHAT.. I believe that golden era of hoops goes hand in hand with passionate employees.... I can see what direction they have taken. But an insiders perspective would be nice.
- 919
- 91
- Joined
- Dec 24, 2000
from my experience working in the buying office of a now defunct big box retailer that carried nike, nike does not like to "take" employees away from a company they work with. i tried unsuccessfully to get a job with nike in one of their satellite sales offices, and that was the reason that a sales rep gave me. i'm sure it is not impossible, but because you do work for a company that sells nike product, it maybe harder. just my 2cents.
- 873
- 43
- Joined
- Aug 7, 2009
Yea I never thought of it like that could be true but at the same time nike wants you to have experience in the retail field dealing with various brands and getting familiar with different products as well. I would think it should help to get that experience because if someone doesn't have it I would believe theyre at somewhat of a disadvantage. Again I think in any instance when youre looking for a job its not always about what you know its who you know.
- 51
- 10
- Joined
- May 22, 2012
Originally Posted by CWK
- My exposure to customer complaints about quality was limited to weartester feedback. Our R&D team was in a unique position, in that we were able to address the issues before the shoe was launched. There were times that I saw shoes taken directly off of testers' feet (including mine) and dissected to explore a problem. Once a shoe is released to the public, NIKE is very good about replacing shoes due to a manufacturer defect or intended wear during the warranty. I also handled customer complaints (both legit and janky) as a retail specialist.
- I really don't know what to say about the price hikes. $250 seems excessive for the elites. After reviewing the procuct description, the only differences I can see between the elites and the general release are the carbon fiber shank and Pro Combat padding. I personally think consumers (i.e. young males) are buying these for a status symbol to show they can afford them, not play in them. I did the same thing as a high school student in the 80's.The other price increases across footwear categories seem to be justifiable.
"consumers (i.e. young males) are buying these for a status symbol to show they can afford them, not play in them."
^^^ hasn't it always been this way?
- 10,646
- 9,738
- Joined
- May 19, 2004
A few friends who used to work head office and retail at Nike mentioned about a high turnover and the poor pay scales. Those who stay and become 'veterans' have to truly immerse themselves in the culture - ie. have a blind devotion to product bearing the swoosh or be in a situation whereby they can afford to earn low pay due to not having to pay rent/mortgage, etc... They all moved on to competitors where the pay was significantly higher. Employee discounts can go a long way but after a while there's only so many sneakers/dri-fit tops that you can buy.
They are the #1 marketing company in the world though and there's no shortage of people looking to get in - just to get the experience. The girl reading of the pamphlet probably just sees the job as a means to an end, there's no monetary incentive to know when the first Tailwind dropped or that the AJ II was made in Italy, etc...
- 895
- 16
- Joined
- Apr 30, 2011
Loving this thread.
What's the most impressive technology or product that you've seen (or even tested) that's ended up scrapped?
What's the most impressive technology or product that you've seen (or even tested) that's ended up scrapped?
- 265
- 13
- Joined
- Jun 5, 2010
Do you guys get Nike shoes for free? Or just purchase them with superb discounts?
- 26,251
- 3,385
- Joined
- Mar 29, 2008
For everyone asking about internships let me give you a figure
16,000 students apply, 130 get a internship
16,000 students apply, 130 get a internship
- 201
- 10
- Joined
- Dec 10, 2001
Question regarding basketball shoes. With the surge in having the lightest footwear out there is Nike considering ankle support when creating bball sneakers? In my opinion the last few hyperdunks have been sub par for ankle support but cushioning has been great. It just seems like certain aspects of a sneaker are comprimised in efforts to make a sneaker as light as possible. For instance the sides of the huperdunk 2011 are mesh and basically see-through! While that may be attractive for breathability that offers no support/lockdown feel. Are there plans to make sneaks that have better lockdown? Have there been complaints from consumers about lack of ankle support?
It's funny how years ago "heavy" bball sneakers were 18-20oz and now 15/16 oz is considered heavy a la Lebron 9. Lockdown is great though. I don't believe it would be too much of a challenge to make a 12-14oz shoe with excellent lockdown support. Any help with the direction Nike is going is would be great (one of the reasons why I can't wait for the hyperposite to release...they are claiming to be lightweight but just based on the pics I can tell these will be supportive!).
JS"
It's funny how years ago "heavy" bball sneakers were 18-20oz and now 15/16 oz is considered heavy a la Lebron 9. Lockdown is great though. I don't believe it would be too much of a challenge to make a 12-14oz shoe with excellent lockdown support. Any help with the direction Nike is going is would be great (one of the reasons why I can't wait for the hyperposite to release...they are claiming to be lightweight but just based on the pics I can tell these will be supportive!).
JS"
- 9,633
- 5,212
- Joined
- Jun 3, 2011
I was one of the 16,000...
- 10,363
- 33
- Joined
- May 9, 2006
Word
