Nike Is Releasing A Range Of Shoes Designed For Doctors And Nurses

Nike is releasing a range of shoes specifically designed for doctors, nurses and other health care professionals.

Product testing for the Nike Air Zoom Pulse was carried out with the help of such 'everyday heroes' at OHSU Doernbecher Children's Hospital in Portland, Oregon, in order to determine what demands a shoe must meet for such workers.

The result is a shoe that is durable, comfortable and versatile, with spill protection and a grippy sole.

In a statement, Nike said: "During the sessions [at OHSU Doernbecher Children's Hospital], 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."

Notable features include a laceless upper with an easy clean vamp, an elastic strap to keep the heel securely contained and allow for an easy slip on, and a durable rubber sole with a traction pattern designed to maintain grip on wet surfaces.

In total, six different designs of the Nike Air Zoom Pulse will be released on 7 December at Nike.com, with all profits going towards the OHSU Doernbecher Children's Hospital and the Doernbecher Freestyle Program, which is now in its 16th year.