what a weird show design, it was like a normal shoe, but the sole of the show had been cut up into many pieces, so that none of them worked together to control the motion of your foot. I think its an interesting concept, but was talking with one of the guys testing it, and we both noticed that stuff such as small sticks gets caught in between all the different “compartments” and deforms the shape of the shoe. I might try it, but only for a day or so a week, it looks like it might take a lot of getting used to.
I read somewhere that it isn’t designed for running in, just for doing strides after running. Doing strides in the shoe would strengthen tendons etc. in the foot, but it isn’t strong enough to handle any mileage.
Strides are exactly what it is designed for. The Stanford Womens coach wanted something that would protect his athletes feet from any sticks/stones but still give the feeling and freedom for being barefoot.
Pretty cool in my opinion
Corbin Baird
Hey everyone,
If you have specific questions that you want answered about “Free” from Nike, please either post them here or send me and email:
I have involved a number of designers/developers and brand marketing folks in the previous “Free” thread and they would be very interested (and happy) to answer any question you may have.
(If you email me outside of this thread, give me a day to funnel your questions to the right people for an answer.)
Thanks,
Dennis McMinn / Nike
Hi Dennis. It’s nice to see someone from Nike on this board. How are things up in Beaverton? I had the pleasure of working up at Nike as a consultant for the better part of a year and had a blast. (Though the prices at the employee store make paying full price rather painful) You guys need to get more involved in triathlon. I love your bike shortsQQ
Hey Tibbs,
I’ll see if I can find something to post on here (or at least a link). I believe it was picture in the last issue of Inside Triathlon and about two issues prior in Triathlete. I’ll work on getting something here though.
Thanks,
Dennis
Hey Pooks,
Thanks. I normally cruise the board and occassionally jump in. I have informed a lot of influential people at Nike to look at the board when topics (like Free) come up. The reaction has been very good.
What area did you work as a consultant? Did we meet? I’m sure you didn’t go by Pooks here : )
I wish we could get more into tri’s as well… and trust me when I say I have spent 8 of my last 9 years trying to make that happen, but it just doesn’t hit the radar the way it should. We’ve made some small strides, but still nothing hardcore.
Stay in touch.
Dennis
I’m really interested in this shoe, and also whether this concept will be expanded to something that could be used as a trainer.
I know that for Nike to back something it has to be cool enough to sell to high school boys, but I’m hoping they’ll back a revolutionary concept here enough to allow it to get legs.
Oh, and any pictures we can viddy?
BTW, there’s a movement to boycott Nike right now in Taiwan in reaction to a flagrantly commercialized promotional tour by Michael Jordan, during which he had a total of 120 seconds of face time with his legions of local fans.