Nike has announced the upcoming release of what it describes as “neuroscience-based footwear,” designed to stimulate athletes’ brains before and after important competitions.
The two models—a mule called Mind 001 (priced at $95) and a lace-up sneaker, the Mind 002 (priced at $145)—feature a distinctive design: 22 orange foam “nodes” embedded in each sole. According to the company, these nodes move independently as the wearer walks, mimicking the sensation of walking on natural ground. This effect is believed to stimulate the foot and, in turn, activate sensory regions of the brain.
As reported by The Verge, Nike has not yet published the scientific data supporting its claims that the Mind 001 and Mind 002 help athletes stay focused and connected to their environment. However, company spokesperson Jay Paavonpera stated that a detailed document explaining the technology will be released in the coming weeks. He added that the design is based on testing involving hundreds of athletes and thousands of hours of research.
The development of the nodes was led by the Mind Science team at Nike’s Sport Research Lab. According to lead researcher Graeme Moffat, each node is spaced to ensure that users can perceive them individually. This is why the nodes are positioned further apart at the heel and closer together at the forefoot.
“Nike Mind is a new concept in sensory footwear that helps rejuvenate the foot, body, and mind,” said Eric Avar, vice president and creative director at Nike.