Nike is known for its involvement in the field of sports, especially baseball. Every season, they give a tribute to a certain sports icon that is idolized by many. Just recently they have given the tribute to baseball star Ken Griffey who has played for different teams for different seasons. The traditional colors of Nike, red, black and white, that are added with the magical number 24 that Griffey is famous for, made the shoe line even bigger. Their theme was inspired by the athlete’s years in training and inspiring the youth to aspire for their dreams. Griffey shoes come in classic designs made of tough material for the special needs of athletes. Because it is based from an athlete, it is fitting that it can be worn by athletes. Nike is known for shoes that last through wear and tear, and since they

have started making famous models immortalized in their collections, they have received a higher regard from the customers.

There are people who take idols to a higher level. And because of this, choosing a good role model for the youth to look up to is important. Giving emphasis to people such as Ken Griffey - by way of releasing Griffey shoes in recognition of his contribution to the success of the sports industry, he is being introduced to shoe lovers. The shoe-buying crowd merged with the sports-minded people makes for a good marketing strategy. People love the design devoted to the player and are actually flocking to order it through online retailers before the stocks run out. There are even waiting lists for those who have expressed their desire to get the design in advance.

It is not hard to sell Griffey shoes. Even without the reference to the sports icon, the Nike design can make it big on its own due to the number of customers the company caters to. The red, black and white ensemble is a trademark and is able to make a statement on its own. It is even made better by the medium cut that is in style for fashionable sports-inclined people. Merging fashion and functionality is something that only Nike has mastered. That and the fact that they have got Griffey to pose for the new creation is another advantage. It plays a dual role: they are advertising Griffey to enhance his popularity while Griffey is advertising their shoes so that they will earn more. The partnership has been seen as successful so far.