The construction of these plimsolls is genuinely fascinating. Both the mule and the sneaker feature 22 distinct foam nodes per shoe. Bonded to a flexible, water resistant material, these nodes operate like tiny pistons and gimbals as the athlete moves. This engineering imparts the actual feeling, even the texture, of the ground directly underneath the foot. This intense interaction dramatically increases sensory awareness, which assists in clearing away distractions and improving concentration.
These innovative shoes are the first to emerge from Nike ’s Mind Science Department, an advanced unit within the Nike Sport Research Lab. This department dedicates its resources to furthering the understanding of the mind body connection. Using one of the few mobile brain and body imaging laboratories globally, the department’s neuroscientists study how the nervous system, brain activity, and cognition work in moving athletes. This research informs a new category of products and services designed to help athletes better prepare, train, compete, and recover.
The brand's executives clearly believe this direction is transformative. Eric Avar, Nike's VP and Creative Director of Innovation, confirms the monumental shift: “Nike Mind is a new sensory footwear concept that helps reawaken the foot, the body and the mind. It represents a new paradigm of performance and how we can potentially make athletes better in the future.”