Nike was co-founded in 1971 by University of Oregon track coach Bill Bowerman who experimented with running shoe designs, creating the "waffle sole" by pouring rubber into his wife's waffle iron. Bowerman provided these innovative shoes as an alternative to spiked or flat soles, sparking immense interest in running. Through their experimental shoes and growing company, Nike and Bowerman helped gain more recognition for cross country and track & field. Nike remains a leading brand for runners today.