Everything You Need To Know About the Nike Mind: A Small Breakdown

Nike has made plenty of kicks around speed, cushioning and performance, but then there’s Nike Mind, which is doing something different and dabbling into the mind sciences. Nike Mind Technology is all about how the shoe feels under your feet and can connect with your senses along with the surroundings.

The basic idea is simple: 22 foam nodes under each foot move independently as you walk.

Image Credit: Nike

Nike launched with two silhouettes, an easy-on mule (Nike Mind Slides) and a lace-up sneaker (Nike Mind Sneakers), and this post is all about breaking down what these alien and futuristic little pods are all about.

Image Credit: Nike

What Is Nike Mind?

Nike Mind came out of Nike's Mind Science Department, which spent more than a decade studying the relationship between the feet, body and brain. According to Nike, the bottom of your feet contains a high concentration of sensory receptors, so the team wanted to figure out how footwear could make better use of that feedback.

The result was 22 individually moving foam nodes under each foot. As you walk, those nodes move against your feet instead of giving you one flat surface underneath.

Nike studied the technology using plantar-pressure sensors, electromyography and EEG to look at sensory and brain activity. The company reported that there was an increased activity in the sensory-motor network and changes associated with relaxed alertness.

But one should note that this is Nike's research, so it shouldn't be taken as a promise that the shoes will automatically make everybody calmer, more focused or better at sports.

Image Credit: Nike

Image Credit: Nike

How Does Nike Mind Technology Work?

This is where the Nike Mind Shoes and Nike Mind Slides get super interesting because the 22 nodes aren't just random pieces under the sole but their positions are mapped based on differences in sensitivity across the foot, with the nodes closer together around the forefoot and farther apart around the heel.

So, as you walk, each node can move independently and press against the bottom of your foot and this movement is actually described as similar to pistons and gimbals, where the final goal is giving you a more noticeable connection to the ground.

Oh, and yes, you can definitely feel it because that's intentional and the technology isn't meant to disappear.

Meet the 001

The Nike Mind 001 is probably the first one you'll notice because it doesn't look like a normal Nike shoe because if you already like nike slip on shoes, then this one takes that easy-on idea in a very different direction.

Mind 001 is an open-heel mule made for easy on-and-off wear which is designed as pregame footwear to give athletes something they can step into before and after the game or competition.

The open back also makes it easy for everyday situations and you can easily throw it on for a quick errand while traveling, chilling around the house or just whenever you don't feel like dealing with the laces.

The 001 also uses breathable materials and a stretchy textile footbed that allows the nodes to move underneath your feet and Nike made sure to provide it in men's and women's sizing.

Even though the official name is a Mule, you might see people calling them slides because of that open-back design but that's not technically Nike's classification, however, the comparison makes sense when you're looking at how easy they are to step into.

Image Credit: Nike

Meet the 002

Now if you’re finding that the 001 feels more like something you can kick on and go, then there’s Nike Mind 002, which brings the same idea into more traditional kicks.

Mind 002 basically has a lace-up construction that holds your foot closer to the nodes and according to Nike, it creates a stronger connection with the footbed and a heightened level of sensation. The 002 also uses a breathable knit upper, a molded heel and a sockliner, with responsive foam cushioning and rubber pods around the toe and heel for traction.

Basically, it looks more like something you can put into your regular sneaker rotation while still giving you that unusual underfoot sensation and feeling.

Image Credit: Nike

What Do They Feel Like?

Now this is probably the question that most people wanna know the answer to, and the short answer is
Different.

Because when you wear them, you can feel the nodes moving underneath your feet, especially when you're walking and a complex reviewer who spent time wearing both models described the sensation as very noticeable, with the 002 feeling more pronounced because of its tighter fit.

However, keep in mind that this doesn't mean everybody will love the sensation because some people may find it interesting, while others might need time to get used to it.

The whole point is that you actually notice what's happening underneath your feet.

Can You Wear Them Every Day?

Sure, you can, even though Nike designed the Mind around pregame use, but that doesn’t mean you have to be an athlete to wear them.

You can easily work Mind 001 into your everyday life by pairing it with sweats, shorts, denim, cargo, a tee, a hoodie, a jacket, etc., and you’ll be all set. The same goes for the Mind 002 but while adding track pants, Nike Tech and simple tees or hoodies.

The Mind is an interesting choice for streetwear that even though it may feel like it came straight out of a science lab, provides you a different style & look that isn’t out there.

How Do You Style Nike Mind?

The answer is very short: keep your fit very simple.

The 001 already has a lot going on underfoot, so let it be the interesting part where relaxed sweats, a hoodie and a fitted cap can work well, while shorts and an oversized tee make sense in warmer weather.

But for the 002, you can try cargos, a graphic tee, Nike Tech pants or a lightweight jacket and if the nodes have a bright accent, then just pull a little of that color into your tee or hat instead of matching the whole fit.

Why Is Nike Mind Getting Attention?

It's part technology, and honestly, it’s the look as well.

The Mind doesn't look like another recycled basketball or running silhouette but the exposed node system gives it a futuristic appearance that fits into the current interest in unusual, performance-inspired footwear.

Nike and Hiroshi Fujiwara's Fragment Concept Testing have already introduced new versions of both silhouettes which include an all-black 001 with blue nodes and a redesigned 002.

The Bottom Line

The Nike Mind is definitely different, but that's what makes it worth talking about.

The 001 gives you an easy-on mule with Nike's sensory technology, while the 002 takes the same idea and puts it into a more familiar lace-up sneaker.
Both of them use 22 moving foam nodes to create a different feeling under your feet.

Just keep the claims in perspective; Nike has done research and testing around the technology, but that doesn't mean everybody will experience the same benefits.

So, if you're someone who’s into new sneaker technology, futuristic silhouettes or just wants something outside the usual rotation, the Mind is definitely worth checking out and keeping tabs on the Tops & Bottoms mobile app for the drop upon its release, such as the Nike Mind 001 “Work Blue”.

Image Credit: Nike

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Nike Mind?

It's Nike's sensory-footwear platform built around 22 independently moving foam nodes under each foot.

What is the Nike Mind 001?

It's the open-heel mule version designed for easy on-and-off wear and pregame use.

What is the Nike Mind 002?

It's the lace-up version that anchors your foot closer to the moving nodes.

Are Nike Mind slides?

The 001 has an open heel, but Nike officially calls it a mule rather than a slide.

What are Nike Mind 001 slides?

That's an informal way people describe the open-heel 001. Nike officially lists it as a mule.

Are Nike Mind 001 shoes comfortable?

They have soft cushioning, but you'll also feel the moving nodes. That sensation won't be the same for everyone.

What are Nike Mind 001 mules made for?

Nike designed them as pregame footwear, with an easy-on construction and sensory-focused footbed.

Do Nike Mind shoes improve focus?

Nike says the technology is designed to support focus and presence, but it isn't a guarantee of improved focus for every wearer.

How many nodes are in Nike Mind?

There are 22 independently moving foam nodes in each shoe.

Are Nike Mind sneakers for athletes only?

No. Nike designed them around athletes, but both silhouettes can also be worn casually.