Nike unveils shoe just for American Indians

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Specializes in Neuro/Med-Surg/Oncology.

Updated: 7:22 p.m. ET Sept 25, 2007

BEAVERTON, Ore. - 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 high obesity rates.

The Beaverton-based company says the Air Native N7 is designed with a larger fit for the distinct foot shape of American Indians, and has a culturally specific look.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20980046/?gt1=10357

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Specializes in Neuro/Med-Surg/Oncology.

Thoughts anyone?

In theory, it seems like a good idea, but something just isn't sitting right with me. I'll have to mull it over a little more. Hmmmm . . . .

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Talk about niche marketing...

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Geriatric, Behavioral Health.

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.

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.

Hats off to Nike for acknowledging a particular health care need (diabetic foot care) amid the NAI community that they as a business can help remedy. :nuke:

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Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.

Kudos to Nike.

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If this shoe meets a genuine need, then bravo to Nike for making the effort.

Not every mention of race is racist.

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Specializes in ER-Adult and Peds, also ICU.

I went to the site and I think that this is a great thing. I have always had problems with shoes fitting my feet. Seems that perhaps it is r/t my NAI blood. I have a narrow heel and wider front to my foot. My mother just told me that even as a child that she would have to put multiple band-aids and other things in the heels of my shoes b/c the heels would flop on my feet and rub blisters. I have had the same problems as an adult. I have the same problem with both of my children's feet. After looking at these I think they might be the answer to a problem we have. However, since we have no Tribal affiliation we will not have access to these. I have NAI blood on 4 sides but b/c of racism my ancestors hid their NAI blood. So I can not trace my lines and prove my "blood percentage". So if I understood everything correctly, my children and myself will not have access to these shoes. Even if we are adopted into the CCAI. Wolfie, what do you think? It would be a good thing for us and I would not have a problem paying full price for them vs the decreased price they are offering to the Reservations. But I still don't think that we will have access to them. :uhoh3: TiredBraveHeart

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Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.

I can so relate to the shape of the foot, TireBraveHeart.

I have a small foot, very narrow heal, wide front as well. It is very difficult to find shoes that fit properly.

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Specializes in Med/Surg; Ortho; Neuro.

You know what they say, "If the shoe fits..." Sorry, couldn't resist. I am new to this website. Work nights so at 0330 when everyone else asleep I surf the world wide web!

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Geriatric, Behavioral Health.

TiredBraveHeart.....I would recommend your attempting to contact them. Not all things are black and white. Mixed bloods who live off the Rez are good examples of this....the shades of grey. And again, card carrying doesn't make one an Indian by heritage or by genetics....card carrying only makes one an Indian by American governmental politics.

So please, check them out.

Peace

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Specializes in ER-Adult and Peds, also ICU.

Thunderwolf, I could have misunderstood when I read the article, but it stated clearly that these shoes would be marketed to Native Americans only. It said that they would not make these openly available. Maybe those of mixed blood will be allowed access as well, that would be great. By the way I find it very interesting that professionals could actually tell I am Indian by my teeth and my feet. What an odd concept.

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Specializes in Schoolnurse,homehealth,specialneeds,IHS.

Well thats something. Are they going to ship these Nikes out to the tribes at no cost, since it is very hard to get into town 90 miles away without any car or money to even buy sneakers. I think they should be supplied free to the reservations since no one there would even need sneakers if they werent forced out of the traditional way of life and onto the rez in the first place. Everyone would still have their nice comfy moccs on. But since they really arent that available any more , I guess Nikes would be a 2nd best. ( Leave out the arches please, Indians tend to be flat footed ) from never having a tied up strapped down foot, the foot can grow and develop naturally , unhindered by tight shoes. Okay , Im its getting late and I know I'm starting to ramble, so I'll stop now and say good nite. thanks for your post. vetnrse

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