Bigger isn't always better. And even the biggest start small. In the late '60s, a former college track star and his old coach decided to try and build a better running shoe. Before they found real distribution, other runners were recruited to sell the shoes at track meets out of the trunks of their cars. Eventually, the company was named after the Greek goddess of victory: Nike. It did OK. None of these might find the same success, but click through to check out The 25 Best Independent Sneaker Brands.
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