How Sneaker Brands Are Helping the Fight Against Coronavirus

As Covid-19 continues on its deadly and disruptive rampage across the globe, doctors, nurses, and other medical workers are doing the best they possibly can to try and contain the virus. Flattening the curve is the priority at the moment, and while we're all staying at home and self-isolating, some sneaker brands are going the extra mile to fight the coronavirus.

From the Beaverton behemoths to luxury labels, the sneaker industry is playing a major role in this battle, so here's every single brand that has helped so far as well as everything that they've done! Together we can put an end to this pandemic that has already taken countless lives around the world.

While adidas had a pretty rusty start when the coronavirus first hit, they quickly picked up momentum, teaming up with Carbon to produce 18,000 face shields per week. This is the exact same material that's currently being used on their Futurecraft 4D line, reducing material usage whilst enhancing the overall comfort of the product.

That's not all though, as the Californian brand has also opened up their print files to its entire network, meaning that anyone with a 3D printer and proper production materials can begin making their own shields. Additionally, the Three Stripes has provided support to the World Health Organization and the Red Cross, with "more relief efforts in the works".

Just across the border, French brand HOKA ONE ONE unveiled the "Front Line Give Back" program that aims to provide 5,000 pairs of cushioned performance sneakers to medical workers, specifically those in the New York and New Jersey areas.

On top of this, their parent company has pledged over $1 million to fight the virus. In a statement, HOKA ONE ONE President Wendy Yang explained, "Right now, front line medical workers are faced with a tremendous battle, and we are here to support them however we can."

While Louis Vuitton isn't strictly a sneaker brand, their relief efforts are definitely worth mentioning. One of the first company's to make a lasting impact against the virus, the Parisian fashion house began making free hand sanitiser for hospitals in the middle of March through their parent group, LVMH. Just a week later, they announced that they were donating 40 million masks to French authorities.

To add to this, LV re-purposed its Parisian Ready-to-Wear atelier to make thousands of hospital gowns for those working on the frontline in Paris. "We are proud to be able to help healthcare professionals at our level and put our know-how at the disposal of the Hôpitaux de Paris to create gowns for medical staff." explained Louis Vuitton CEO Michael Burke.

Perhaps the sneaker company that is making the most impact amidst the pandemic is New Balance. At the end of March, the Boston-based brand pledged $2 million to support relief efforts. This donation went towards their own charitable network which included over sixty grantees worldwide, focusing largely on supporting families and children.

As if that wasn't enough, NB then announced that it was getting "all hands on deck", producing 100,000 face masks a week for doctors and nurses around the world. They're also currently exploring new ways that they can make other PPE such as gowns and foot coverings

Even though they're expected to lose $3.5 billion this quarter, Nike still donated $15 million to battle the spread of the virus and help those in need. They're also working closely with the Oregon Health & Science University to create full face shields and air-purifying respirator lenses for medical personnel around the world.

This PPE is made using the Swoosh's Nike Air components. For instance, ankle collar padding has been repurposed for extra comfort, while the TPU material that's usually used on their Air midsoles has now been used for visors and lenses.

Earlier this year, Prada did what no other brand has achieved so far - donating complete intensive care and resuscitation units to Milan's worst hit hospitals. On top of this, they also revealed that they're producing 80,000 medical overalls and 110,000 masks for medical works in Europe.

All of these items are being made through the luxury house's factory in Montone which the brand has specifically kept open for this purpose.

Last but by no means least, Under Armour has been assembling origami-style face masks, putting its own design and manufacturing teams to work. They've also been producing face shields and specially equipped fanny packs for medical staff in various hospitals across the US.

"At Under Armour, we know the value of being part of a team," said CEO Patrik Frisk. "This mindset is important now more than ever as we come together to combat COVID-19."