Nike said, "Just Do It" and they did. Nike on Tuesday unveiled what it said is the first shoe designed specifically for American Indians, an effort aiming at promoting physical fitness in a population with, what data shows has, high obesity rates.
How is this shoe different? it is designed with a larger fit for the distinct foot shape of American Indians, and has a culturally specific look. It will be distributed solely to American Indians; tribal wellness programs and tribal schools nationwide will be able to purchase the shoe at wholesale price and then pass it along to individuals, often at no cost.
Why would a company like Nike create a shoe for a specific culture? "Nike is aware of the growing health issues facing Native Americans," said Sam McCracken, manager of Nike's Native American Business program. "We are stepping up our commitment ... to elevate the issue of Native American health and wellness."
Nike said it is the first time it has designed a shoe for a specific race or ethnicity. It said all profits from the sale of the shoe will be reinvested in health programs for tribal lands, where problems with obesity, diabetes and related conditions are near epidemic levels in some tribes.
How did Nike come up with the new sizes? Nike designers and researchers looked at the feet of more than 200 people from more than 70 tribes nationwide and found that in general, American Indians have a much wider and taller foot than the average shoe accommodates. The average shoe width of men and women measured was three width sizes larger than the standard Nike shoe.
The company anticipates selling at least 10,000 pairs and raising $200,000 for tribal programs.
3 comments:
Nike rocks! They are much better than Addidas and all those other shoe companies. I think it is great that a large company such as Nike are considering smaller sections of the population instead of trying to make the big profit and going for the mass sales. Nike cares about its customers!
Nike rocks! They are much better than Addidas and all those other shoe companies. I think it is great that a large company such as Nike are considering smaller sections of the population instead of trying to make the big profit and going for the mass sales. Nike cares about its customers!
I agree, I think it is awesome that Nike is spending such time and efforts. PS......You sound like my husband he will wear nothing but Nike. This just clearly shows people's rights to make choices in a market system.
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