Ready For The Real Show? Here Are The Best Nike Ads Ever!
Some ads are seriously unforgettable, hitting us hard in every way possible. And you can’t talk about top-tier ads without diving into those epic Nike campaigns. Nike isn’t just a brand—it’s a symbol of creativity that goes beyond just kicks. As the heavyweight champ in sportswear, Nike crushed it, bagging a crazy $37.40 billion even during the pandemic in 2020. Nike owes its iconic status to groundbreaking ad campaigns that left rivals biting the dust. Since the late 80s, Nike ads have etched themselves into our culture, becoming iconic landmarks. Moving from selling a product to selling a feeling, these ads stick with consumers. With legends like Bo Jackson, “Mars Blackmon,” Spike Lee, and Michael Jordan gracing their campaigns, Nike set the bar high. So, it’s time to dive into the best Nike ads ever! 
Kicks & Clicks: Best Nike Ads
We all know it as the unbeatable giant in the footwear and reselling industries. But this has to do with how they market their products. You wouldn’t be fighting off crowds over a regular pair of Nikes. Nor will you pay 3 or 4X the retail price for some sneakers, if they weren’t showcased to you in the sexiest way!
So, Nike’s ad game is so ON POINT, that it’s blowing other advertisers away. But hey, just so you know, this list doesn’t have all of Nike’s top-tier ads, but the ones here? They’re hands down the greatest Nike ads of all time.
Let’s start with Nike’s ‘Just Do It’ in ’88. So, it was coined a year before by Wieden + Kennedy for their first big TV push. The ads were all over—running, walking, b-ball. Each came from a different team, a bit scattered.
And check this: over 15 million Insta posts rep the #JustDoIt tag, driving a ton of user-generated content that’s blowing up Nike all over social media.
Michael Jordan may be the basketball player most associated with Nike commercials, but this spot with Charles Barkley packs a wallop. Indeed, this Nike ad shook things up, challenging the idea of sports stars as role models. It sparked debates, standing out by defying expectations. It’s a bold move—different but powerful. And that legendary tagline? It unites Nike’s ads under one aspirational vibe, making a global impact that lasts.
This ad isn’t just about celebs. It’s all about showing how sports impact regular folks, especially young women. It’s a powerful message that really hits home. So, Nike usually features big stars, but some of its best ads highlight the role of sports in everyday lives, especially for young women. It’s relatable, especially for parents with daughters.
Michael Jordan’s ad is raw and real, emphasizing how failure leads to success. It’s short, honest, and packs a powerful message. Moreover, it’s an ad that’s upfront, short, and nails the point: failure breeds success. Jordan’s off-court, sharing his misses and losses, showing success springs from failure.
Nike’s classic ad with Tiger Woods from 1999 showcased his stunning golf skills, leading to a surge in Nike golf ball sales. This memorable ad features Woods skillfully juggling and flawlessly striking a golf ball, marking his transition to using Nike balls.
During the 2008 Olympics, Nike dropped a trippy ad that showed various images—a mix of sports stars (LeBron, Jordan, Federer, Armstrong, etc.), sprinting cheetahs, and blooming flowers—all quickly flashing to depict the essence of “Just do it.” So, the commercial harmonized with The Killers’ killer tune, demonstrating how the best Nike ads are not just cool but can get all artsy too.
Pre-2010 World Cup, Nike’s ‘Write the Future’ campaign was a knockout. It showed how athlete careers influence destinies and highlighted Nike’s role in empowering customers to script their stories. Furthermore, the ad featured top players and an epic soundtrack, directed by Alejandro Gonzalez, leaving a huge mark for Nike.
This London Olympics ad showcases ordinary people chasing their sporting dreams, resonating deeply with those striving for greatness. Moreover, it’s Nike’s most relatable and thought-provoking commercial, packed with quiet power that inspires, makes you think, and stirs emotions in under a minute.
Wanna Inspire one of the Best Nike Campaigns?
Pitching to Nike? You gotta meet their patent-only rule. Here’s the drill:
- Find the right form for businesses, or for individual inventors.
- Fill it out and email it to ideasubmissions@nike.com.
- Remember:
- They won’t accept physical mail for prototypes. If they need it, they’ll reach out.
- It might take a bit to hear back, so check other options.
- Even if they dig your idea, doesn’t mean it’s a done deal or payday.
P.S. For all the hot Nike drops and news, check out our killer blog! Lock in and stay tuned!