9010 - Nike: (2) Original Vintage 1970s Shoe Boxes

Nike: (2) Original Vintage 1970s Shoe Boxes Two original vintage 1970s empty bright orange Nike shoe boxes, both with the original Nike Swoosh logo on the sides: one has a 'pinwheel' design on the lid, marked "Made in Japan," and is identified as "Model: Cortez, Size: 9½, Edf0787"; the other features a Canada 'maple leaf' design on the lid, marked "Made in U.S.A.," and is identified as "Nylon Cortez, 10." In good to very good condition, with heavy wear, old tape, and felt tip notations to the boxes. Dating to Nike's formative years as an emerging force in athletic footwear, these original shoe boxes offer an uncommon glimpse into the company's early branding and packaging. Both boxes originally housed variations of the Cortez, the landmark running shoe developed by Nike co-founder Bill Bowerman that helped establish the company's reputation for innovative athletic footwear. Representing both Japanese and American manufacturing, the boxes reflect Nike's rapid expansion during the 1970s, when the fledgling Oregon company was evolving into a major international competitor.