Nike changes tack with shoe that multitasks
Nike’s latest trainer, Motiva, is an all-rounder after the team noted runners logging onto the app fluctuating between walking, jogging, running and stopping.
Following interviews with 1,000 people, the observation sparked an exploration of ways to better serve this pattern.
The new rocker geometry, last and full-length cushioning provide a smooth ride for fluctuating paces. Full-length Cushlon 3.0 foam in the midsole is designed to provide cushioning and new ComfortGroove bumps on the outsole help make the underfoot experience even softer.
Testers told Nike that a narrow shoe is not their preferred fit, so the team built the Motiva on a new data-driven last, delivering the widened forefoot, arch and toe box testers asked for.
Dr Emily Farina, principal researcher in the Nike Sport Research Lab, said: “The result is a shoe that can help reduce disruptions in your stride to make moving feel smoother — and, we hope, help you want to come back for more.”
