Nike designs first ever ethnic-specific shoe

Nike designs first ever ethnic-specific shoes for American Indians

Nike has designed its first ever shoe for a specific ethnic group, with the Air Native N7 for American Indians. In a bid to help the population's growing obesity and diabetes problems, the shoe aims to promote fitness, as well as raising funds for health programmes.

The shoe has a specific design, featuring a wider foot fit and culturally specific features. Designers looked at the feet of people in more than 70 tribes and found the American Indians to have wider and taller feet than the average American, meaning the shoe is three times wider than the standard Nike styles.

Speaking of the project, manager of Nike's Native American Business programme commented, 'Nike is aware of the growing health issues facing Native Americans. We are stepping up our commitment...to elevate the issue of Native American health and wellness.'