Nike Shoes are made in eight countries. The majority of Nike Shoes are manufactured in China and Vietnam.
Aside from China and Vietnam, Nike manufacturers also make shoes in Indonesia, Brazil, Japan, Taiwan, Italy, and South Korea.
According to a survey report, 36% of Nike shoes are made in China and Vietnam.
Nike has one of the most extensive manufacturing facilities in Indonesia. Nike’s Indonesia-based plant makes around 22% of all Nike Shoes resulting in the largest Nike shoe manufacturer after China and Vietnam.
The remaining 42% of Nike shoes are manufactured in Brazil, Japan, Taiwan, Italy, and South Korea.
Initially, Nike was well-known as Blue Ribbon Sports. A track athlete named Phil Knight and his coach, Bill Bowerman first started the Nike firm.
The key to Nike’s success is in-house research and development and its focus on catering to runners.
The research team of Nike has recently invented a shoe that is electronically paired with a smartphone.
Study reveals that around 25 pairs of Nike shoes are sold per second! Hence, we can estimate the popularity of Nike shoes in the world.
Nike shoes are more prevalent in the United States. The company makes 40% of its global revenue in the United States.
Though Nike shoes have the most significant sales in the United States, the brand hardly manufactures its shoes in the United States. Nike operates all of its manufacturing operations outside the United States.
Nike has 16 factories in China that manufacture 25% of Nike footwear. Nike opened its first factory in China in 1981. Since then, the company has been manufacturing quality shoes in China.
To be more precious, a table is given below mentioning the number of Nike factories in the corresponding countries:
| Country | Number of Nike Factories |
| China | 160 |
| Japan | 12 |
| Vietnam | 200 contracted factories |
| Indonesia | 28 |
| Taiwan | 10 |
| South Korea | 17 |
| Brazil | 7 |
| Italy | – |
From the table, Vietnam is the largest Nike shoe manufacturer in the world.
However, Nike shoes are made of a mix of leather, foam, fabric, and rubber.
You will find the use of real leather parts in the Nike classic and deluxe model basketball. Besides, Nike running shoes feature lightweight fabric uppers in place of heavier leather.
While manufacturing, Nike sources its raw materials from China and Taiwan.
Air Force 1
Nike Air Force 1 shoe are made in China and Vietnam.
As mentioned, Vietnam is the largest Nike shoe manufacturer in the world. Sourcing raw materials, Nike manufacturers exclusively make its Air Force 1 shoes in China and Vietnam.
After the Air Force 1 planet, Nike named its Air Force 1 shoe. The best thing about Nike Air Force 1 is its classic and timeless look.
Using recycled materials, Nike manufacturers make its premium Nike Air Force 1 shoe in China and Vietnam. The primary materials used in Nike Air Force 1 shoe are rubber and leather.
Air Max
Nike Air Max shoes are made in China, Vietnam, Indonesia, Taiwan, and Japan.
The main purpose of manufacturing Nike Air Max shoes is to provide superior cushioning to traditional foam to reduce weight.
Nike Air Max shoes provide excellent cushioning and support. Hence, it is a popular choice for both casual wear and athletic activities.
Nike Dunk
Nike Dunk shoes are made in China.
Nike has 16 manufacturing plants in China. Nike manufacturers make its Nike Dunk shoes sourcing raw materials from China and Taiwan.
Introducing Nike SB, Nike launched its Dunk shoes. Each pair of Nike Dunk shoes are converted into a skate shoe with extra padding and zoom air cushioning.
Nike manufacturers use synthetic leather while manufacturing its Dunk shoes. The synthetic leather used in Nike Dunk shoes comes from recycled polyester.
Blazer
Nike Blazer is made in the United States.
Though Nike hardly manufactures its shoes in the United States, they make their special Blazer shoes in the United States.
Nike has Blazer shoe manufacturing plants in Beaverton, Oregon. Hence, all of its Blazer shoes are manufactured here in Beaverton, Oregon.
After the regional NBA team, the Portland Trail Blazers, Nike derived its model name. The exclusive Nike Blazer shoes are made of:
- Leather
- Nylon
- Rubber
Generally, Nike makes all of its shoes outside the United States. But, its Blazer shoes are manufactured in the United States in a small proportion.
Which Nike Shoes are Made in the USA?
Nike Blazers are made in the USA.
Most of the Nike factories are located outside the United States. Nonetheless, Nike’s special collection of Blazers is made in the USA.
The Nike Blazer shoes are specifically made in Beaverton, Oregon. Its manufacturer predominantly makes Nike Blazers using leather, nylon, and rubber.
Nike manufacturers make the upper portion of Nike Blazers of leather whereas the tongue is made of nylon. Using rubber, Nike makes the midsole of Blazers.
In short, Nike manufacturers make a small portion of Nike Blazers in Oregon, USA, using premium materials.
What Percentage of Nike Shoes are Made in China?
Around 25% of Nike shoes are made in China.
In China, you will find 160 Nike factories where they manufacture 25% of Nike Shoes.
China has given a lot of facilities to entrepreneurs. Besides, its leather industry has grown rapidly.
Consequently, many shoe manufacturers have factories in China.
In 1981, Nike started its first manufacturing plant in China. Today, the shoe brand has more than 160 factories in China. After Vietnam, China is the largest manufacturing country of Nike Shoes.
Among these 160 factories, 46 are reported to have been dedicated to producing Nike shoes. For the mass production of Nike products, these factories employ thousands of workers.
As the production cost in China is comparatively low, Nike established its factories in China. Today, Nike flagship shoes manufactured in China are supplied worldwide.
Why does Nike Manufacture in China?
Nike manufactures its shoes in China because of its inexpensive labor and raw materials.
In the 1990s, Nike manufacturers decided to establish factories in China. They named the management policy the Swoosh Index.
In the early 1990s, Nike was looking for inexpensive labor and raw materials. China was the best possible option for them.
Consequently, Nike manufactures its shoes in China.
Is Nike Pulling Out of China?
The answer is YES. Nike is pulling out of China.
Recently, Nike has joined an expanding list of international media and tech companies that are pulling out of China.
Besides, the board of directors at Nike Inc has voted against sourcing goods and raw materials from China.
As China is violating surrounding human rights, Nike has decided to pull out of China.
Are Nike Shoes Made in Sweatshops?
YES, it has been reported that Nike shoes are made in sweatshops.
A survey report revealed that Nike Inc has been using sweatshops and worker abuse in East Asia to produce footwear and apparel.
Labor cost in China or Asian countries is incredibly low. The prices of raw materials and labor costs have dramatically increased in Korean and Taiwanese factories.
Consequently, Nike, Inc., has been using sweatshops and worker abuse in East Asia to cope with the supply chain.
Nike’s use of sweatshops dates back to the 1970s. From 1970 to 1991, Nike’s worker abuse and sweatshops were not public.
After Jeff Ballinger’s report, Nike’s use of sweatshops came to the mass media. Thus, Nike shoes are made in sweatshops.
Who Makes Nike Shoes?
In Vietnam, Nike has partnered with several factories. Nonetheless, the majority of Nike shoes are manufactured by skilled artisans of Nike Inc.
Under the strict instructions of Nike Inc., all of its footwear and apparel is manufactured. The company doesn’t have any third-party manufacturers.
Skilled artisans working for Nike make every pair of Nike Shoes. Besides, Nike manufacturers make products for its 54 wholly-owned subsidiaries.
In short, Nike itself manufactures every product of Nike.
Where does Nike Get Their Materials From?
Nike gets their materials from China and Taiwan.
According to Nike Inc, China and Taiwan are the leading suppliers of synthetic leather worldwide.
Besides, the LWG certified leather used in Nike shoes is also sourced from China and Taiwan. The leather industry in China and Taiwan has grown rapidly.
Due to the availability of raw materials and low labor costs, Nike has factories in China and Taiwan. While manufacturing, Nike sources its raw materials from these two countries.
Who Manufactures Nike Clothing?
Nike does not manufacture its own clothes. Instead, the company outsources its clothes from various suppliers in the world.
Major suppliers of Nike clothes are:
- Pou Chen
- Fulgent Sun International
- PT Pan Brothers
- Delta Galil
- Eagle Nice
Like its shoes, Nike manufacturers make the majority of its clothing and apparel in China and Vietnam.
In short, numerous third-party manufacturers make Nike clothes in numerous locations around the world.
