Nike launches shoes to aid the mind

The new Nike ‘Mind’ shoes feature 22 independent foam nodes per shoe.

Nike has released what it calls its first ‘neuroscience-based footwear’ which is being marketed as helping athletes to feel ‘calm, focused and present’ and ‘locking in their mindset pre- and post-competition’. According to the US-headquartered company, the ‘Mind 001’ mule and ‘Mind 002’ sneaker are the first items of footwear from Nike that tap into the ‘mind-body connection’ by activating sensory receptors in the feet.

Both shoes feature 22 independent foam nodes per shoe that are bonded to a flexible, water-resistant material that allows them to act as pistons and gimbals as athletes move, imparting the feeling – and even the texture – of the ground directly beneath. This interaction is claimed to heighten sensory awareness which, Nike says, can help to clear away distractions and enhance concentration.

“For 45 years, Nike has studied the body in motion – how muscles fire, how joints move, how oxygen fuels performance,” says Dr Matthew Nurse, chief science officer at NIKE. “Now, we’re expanding into the mind. By studying perception, attention and sensory feedback, we’re tapping into the brain-body connection in new ways. It’s not just about running faster – it’s about feeling more present, focused and resilient. That’s the next frontier of performance.”

Both shoes will be available online and from selected retail locations from January 2026.

Publishing Data

This article was originally published on page 3 of the November 2025 issue of SATRA Bulletin.

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