Who would’ve thought that Bill Bowerman’s obsession to detail was going to spin-off into what we know NIKE as today? Through Bill’s innovative ability to think outside of the box led NIKE to create their Nike Sports Research Lab in leading the industry’s edge in opportunities to serve the athlete. From ‘s biomechanics, physiology, sensory perception, and product testing – they were able to determine how to make shoes better for different phases of an athlete (Nike’s definition of an athlete: if you have a body, you’re an athlete).
As an exclusive blogger selected to participate in Nike’s first ever program, we did our homework and researched years of Nike’s developments and ever changing trends. I had never really seen anything like it before, and was intrigued to try them out. The very moment I slipped on my first pair of Nike Free’s, I immediately knew that my feet were in shoe heaven! They were stylish, modern, and extremely comfortable! I literally felt like I was walking barefoot. We learned that much of their research and development focused on a barefoot product tester, so it was only natural to create a product so comfortable that you forgot you had them on. The material was mesh and super soft. And they integrated a new Dri-Fit material that helped feet stay breathable along with being flexible. My thirteen (13) year old son had the biggest struggle with finding shoes that could conform to his feet, but the Nike Free’s really allowed him to move in ways he felt prevented him from moving before. What did we learn from the new Nike Free experience? The ultimate goal was to mimic dispersed pressure of bare feet and they certainly accomplished what they sought after. What are the benefits of achieving this goal? Overall increases in strength, flexibility, and balance (the most critical parts of an athlete).
I love working on my fitness and I absolutely LOVE to dance hip hop. My very first experience wearing my Nike Free shoes were amazing. I could absolutely feel the difference between my old pair of Nike’s versus the Nike Free shoes. And with an increase of balance, strength, and flexibility came an increase of self-confidence to DREAM BIG. If words could truly describe my overall experience with what one little pair of shoes have done for me, I am definitely excited to hear your adventures! Please feel free to leave a comment if you have or plan to buy a pair of Nike Free shoes and I challenge you to see and feel the difference for yourself!
I have a new fire, a new passion, and a new inspiration for this athletic apparel giant. We hope you enjoyed the opportunity to take a peek at the wonderful hospitality we got to experience with Nike and the Nike employees.
Thank you for this opportunity of a lifetime to experience what passion means to a retail giant like you, Nike! There is truly no other company out there that could do foot wear better!
Follow The ‘It’ Mom as we experience first hand adventures of and events through Facebook, Twitter and Instagram (#NikeKids)!
Kids Nike FREE Run: If your feet flex, shouldn’t your shoes flex too? Must-have flexibility for young feet.
*Compensation was provided by Nike via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Nike.*
Leave a Reply