Development of the Nike Air Zoom Pulse was carried out alongside nurses and doctors.
Nike is set to release a new range of shoes designed specifically for nurses, doctors, and other health care professionals.
Development of the Nike Air Zoom Pulse was carried out with the help of such “everyday heroes” at the OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital in Portland, Oregon.
The result is a shoe that is durable, comfortable and versatile, with spill protection and a grippy sole.
In a promotional statement, Nike said: “the designers of the Air Zoom Pulse learned the rigours of these health-care workers’ day-to-day efforts.
“Nurses, for example, walk approximately four to five miles and sit for less than an hour during the course of a 12-hour shift. The work is physically and mentally demanding.
“The design for the Air Zoom Pulse tackles those challenges with simplicity in mind. The shoe is easy to get on and off, and equally simple to clean. The fit, cushioning and traction systems work together to secure the foot in all hospital conditions.
“The design confronts a range of medical-worker-specific challenges.
“How can a shoe be both comfortable for long stretches of standing and versatile enough to support the hurried movements required in emergency situations? The answer comes through the Pulse’s full-rubber outsole, a flexible drop-in midsole with Zoom Air heel unit and a heel fit so secure, it feels like a soft, snug hug.
However, disappointed nurses in the UK have been highly critical of Nike, claiming the range falls short of strict infection control and uniform requirements set out by NHS Trusts.
Profits from the sale of the shoe will be donated to the OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital.
Six versions of the trainer will go on sale in December with a speculated price of £100.
