NikeInc.com

A modern uniform for the ultimate athlete

Fri, 31 Aug 2012 08:50:00 -0700

Performance is the highest virtue, but style should never be sacrificed.

There can be no one style-fits all uniform for training, relaxing, competing, or for the most glorious possible moment of all: mounting the medal stand to reap the reward for a lifetime of hard work and dedication. Nike has designed distinct medal stand looks to pay tribute to American athletes and their varied disciplines of competition. Inspirations are drawn from classic American forms: from work wear and pickup trucks to astronaut suits and sports cars. The American flag figures prominently while subtle tributes are concealed as hidden details to be discovered because representing one's country is a private, as well as, a public journey. Beyond the formality of the medal stand, the best athletes in America are also provided a wardrobe adaptable to both occasion and weather, from the training room to the pressroom.

Kenyan Marathon Champion to Wear Nike Uniform of Innovative Sustainable Materials

Thu, 09 Aug 2012 07:30:00 -0700

Kenyan marathon world champion Abel Kirui will take his place at the start line this Sunday in footwear and clothing that combine high performance innovation with environmentally sustainable design from head to toe.

The Kenya singlet he will wear is made from recycled fabric that comes from the equivalent of three recycled plastic bottles. To make the fabric, bottles are ground into flakes, melted and then spun into special thread. All of the Track & Field uniforms for Nike sponsored federations have also been created using this technique.

The Kenyan colors have been added to the singlet using an innovative water-free dye process. Earlier this year, Nike announced a strategic partnership with DyeCoo, a Netherlands-based company that has developed and built the first commercially available waterless textile dyeing machines. By using recycled carbon dioxide, DyeCoo’s technology eliminates the use of water in the textile dyeing process.

On average, textile dyeing uses an estimated 100-150 liters of water to process 1 kg of textile material today. The synthetic textile dyeing industry consumes 2.4 trillion gallons of water per year, the equivalent to 3,700,000 competition swimming pools. As part of its commitment to sustainable design, Nike has been exploring this technology for the past eight years and aims to scale it for larger production volumes in the future.

Utilizing c02, an inert and non-toxic gas that is available as waste from other industries, waterless dyeing is an innovative process that also produces 50-60% less carbon emissions than conventional dyeing methods.

Abel Kirui will also run in the Nike Flyknit Racer shoe, featuring a revolutionary technology that enables running shoe uppers to be designed from knitted threads, these are precisely engineered for structure and superior lightweight performance while minimizing material waste during the production process.

“Elite athletes demand high performance technology that delivers every time they train and race” says Martin Lotti, Olympics, Global Design Director. “The recycled fabric and water-free dye process we have used for the Kenya singlet is the perfect combination of lightweight performance and low environmental impact.”

The Kenya singlet also features Nike Dri-FIT technology that helps to regulate athletes’ temperatures while running by drawing sweat away from the body and through the fabric to help keep athletes dry and cool. Bonded seams on the singlet provide a seamless fit to minimize distractions.

Videos: Insider Access to USA Men's and Women's Basketball

Mon, 06 Aug 2012 06:54:00 -0700

Nike Basketball gives an inside look at the training, commitment, pride and innovation that fuels the 2012 USA Men's and Women's Basketball team.

LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant, Deron Williams, Andre Iguodala, Tyson Chandler, James Harden and Coach Krzyzewski describe the keys to success for this team.

Women's players featured include: Diana Taurasi, Tamika Catchings, Sue Bird and Coach Auriemma.

Nike Unveils Volt Collection for Track and Field

Fri, 03 Aug 2012 11:50:00 -0700

Innovative design and performance combine in Nike's collection of volt track and field footwear, created to prepare athletes for their greatest performances. The collection offers footwear for events on the track, field and road, including the Nike Zoom Superfly R4, Nike Zoom Victory Elite and Nike Flyknit Racer.

The Nike Zoom Superfly R4 fuses revolutionary Nike Flywire with a lightweight spike plate that has been proven on the track by some of the fastest runners in the world. The Nike Zoom Victory Elite is our lightest, fastest 1,500 meter race spike ever, combining an ultra-responsive carbon plate with a dynamic Nike Flywire upper. The Nike Flyknit Racer, worn by world champion marathoners, is lightweight (5.6 ounces for a size 9) and engineered for a precision fit, creating a feeling of a second skin.

Sprints
Nike Zoom Superfly R4
Nike Zoom Ja Fly
Nike Zoom Maxcat 3
Nike Zoom Celar 4

Distance
Nike Zoom Victory Elite
Nike Zoom Matumbo 2
Nike Zoom Mamba 2

Field
Nike Zoom LJ 4
Nike Zoom HJ III
Nike Zoom TJ 3
Nike Zoom PV II
Nike Zoom Javelin Elite
Nike Zoom Rotational 5

Marathon
Nike Flyknit Racer
Nike Zoom Streak 4
Nike Lunarspider R3

Liberty X Nike

Fri, 03 Aug 2012 11:04:00 -0700

Nike Sportswear and Liberty are extending their partnership, with a new collection of iconic heritage silhouettes and – for the first time – two styles of women’s high-performance track spikes. The combination represents the ultimate definition of sport performance meeting style.

The Nike Zoom Victory Elite is the first track spike to be given a distinctive Liberty identity and is exclusively available to buy in the landmark Liberty Store in London. Specifically designed for the 1500 metres, the Nike Zoom Victory Elite combines an ultra-responsive carbon plate with a dynamic Nike Flywire upper. The result is a groundbreaking shoe that maximizes athletes’ on-track potential.

The striking on-trend volt colour of the spike is offset by the delicate floral ‘Mirabelle’ Liberty print. The fabric was first introduced in the 1960s but its design application to Nike’s material is entirely unique to these limited edition spikes. The high tensile strength Nike Flywire cables provide support and stability for the foot within the shoe, while a lightweight foam midsole and innovative carbon fiber plate combine to offer superior fit, comfort and traction.

The second track spike to feature the ‘Mirabelle’ print is the Nike Zoom JA Fly, designed for sprinters, who require a secure but dynamic fit in an ultra-lightweight spike shoe. High-strength Flywire cables provide targeted support to help lock the foot in place, while the rigid plate with eight spike receptacles provides traction and power on the track.

The Nike Zoom JA Fly x Liberty has been created solely for the elite female track athletes that Nike sponsors and will not be available at retail. The Nike Zoom Victory Elite spike is on sale in-store at Liberty, Regent Street, London RRP £

The Liberty x Nike FA12 collection also features:

- NIKE LunarGlide+ 4

- NIKE Free Run+ 3

- NIKE Lunar Montreal

- NIKE Air Max 1

- NIKE Dunk Sky High

Videos: Insider Access to USA Basketball

Thu, 02 Aug 2012 09:00:00 -0700

Nike Basketball provides an inside look at the training, commitment, pride and innovation that fuels the 2012 USA Men's and Women's basketball teams.

Players featured include: LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant, Deron Williams, Andre Iguodala, Tyson Chandler, James Harden and Coach Mike Krzyzewski.

Women's players featured include: Diana Taurasi, Tamika Catchings, Sue Bird and Coach Geno Auriemma.

Nike unveils Flyknit performance track spike

Thu, 02 Aug 2012 02:44:00 -0700

In February 2012, Nike Flyknit was unveiled -- a revolutionary technology that enables running shoe uppers to be designed from single threads, which are precisely engineered and used only as needed for a featherweight, virtually seamless fit.

Now this technology has been developed for an exclusive distance track spike to be worn during competition by US 10,000 meter runner Dathan Ritzenheim. With all the structure and support knitted in, the new spike shares the same unique upper as the Nike Flyknit Racer shoe.

As part of Nike’s commitment to combining high performance with environmentally sustainable design, the Nike Flyknit Racer reduces waste in the manufacturing process, because the knitted part of the upper does not use cuts of multiple materials and sections found in traditional sports footwear.

Weighing just 110 grams (3.9 oz), the new spike features a narrower fit specifically designed for track performance. Dynamic flywire structured zones on the upper providing support, breathability and a lightweight sock-like fit.

The Flashlon foam used in the midsole of the new spike provides lightweight, responsive cushioning and arch support for comfort over all track distances. "Combining ultra lightweight engineering of Nike Flyknit technology with the performance innovation of our track spikes creates a unique running proposition," said Martin Lotti, Nike Global Creative Director. "Nike Flyknit is a breakthrough innovation for the design and development of running shoes and we’re excited to be able to deliver this innovation for elite track athletes."

The Nike Flyknit spike features an engineered Pebax® plate with four removable pins to provide lightweight support and maximize speed. The sharkskin heel pad enhances grip and traction while helping reduce the overall weight of the spike.

Explore the Nike Innovation Arena

Wed, 01 Aug 2012 13:15:00 -0700

For the best experience, download the innovation arena as a desktop app (218MB ZIP). The Innovation Arena app will download to your computer as a .ZIP file. Once downloaded, uncompress the ZIP file and run the application.

The Nike Innovation Arena is a dynamic 3-D environment where Nike’s latest innovations in Track and Field, Basketball, Training, and Nike’s digital enablement offering Nike + Basketball and Nike +Training can be explored.

Navigate through this virtual arena to learn more about the design inspirations and product benefits behind Nike’s cutting edge performance innovations. Hear from Nike Designers and discover the technology behind each product by clicking your mouse on the circular 'hotspots' to uncover concealed innovations that will help elite athletes perform at their highest level.

You can also launch app in your browser (Requires Unity Plugin)

The app has been created using Unity software technology, more usually used for video games. If you choose to launch the app in your web browser you will be asked to install the latest version of Unity to enter the experience. For best results close other programs running on your computer and launch the experience in either Firefox, Safari or IE. During download, an introduction video on Nike’s approach to sports innovation will play, followed by access to the Innovation Arena.

Nike releases an Air Force 1 with a patriotic spirit

Tue, 31 Jul 2012 22:14:00 -0700

The first ever basketball shoe to feature Nike Air-Sole units for cushioning, the AF1 was released in 1982 and hasn’t stopped moving off the shelves since. Through countless material and color combinations, each and every design feature stays true to the original — double-reinforced, yet lightweight upper with a menacing midsole (designed to house the first generation of Air.) Celebrating 30 years as an icon of the basketball court, the ultimate symbol of sport and style is modernized with all over reflective materials that nearly glow when caught by light. And when taken off, the wearer will be treated to one-of-a-kind patriotic poetry inscribed on the foot bed.

Nike releases a special edition of performance footwear

Mon, 30 Jul 2012 09:00:00 -0700

Using Nike’s most progressive sport innovation, Nike+ Basketball and Nike+ Running, Nike releases a special edition of its digitally enabled footwear in limited quantities globally. The Nike Hyperdunk+ and the new Nike LunarGlide+ are veneered in metallic silver and grey with pops of bright pinks and blue colors that are as bold as the groundbreaking innovations that make each model unique. Developed to be flexible with the daily activities of the wearer, this fresh interpretation of two key performance styles can easily transition from the court and the track to the street.

Nike+ Basketball is a new experience connecting digitally enabled footwear with an interactive mobile application that together delivers revolutionary sport experience. The new Nike+ Basketball experience breaks down the user’s game to deliver information and measurement, which in turn provides motivation. Nike+ Basketball measures how high, how hard and how quick players play each game. The technology in the experience utilizes a new Nike+ Pressure Sensor built into each Nike Hyperdunk+ that collects information about the user’s movement and then wirelessly transmits data to their phone. It is then translated into different metrics delivering previously unknown information about either their workout or their game.

Nike+ Running empowers runners to track, measure, compare, and share their runs across the globe. It motivates runners with insightful and inspirational features and allows access to the vast NIKE+ community. Since its launch in 2006, the Nike+ community has grown to 8.5 million members.

The new Nike LunarGlide+ features Lunarlon foam in its Dynamic Support platform. Introduced four years ago, Nike Lunarlon foam technology spreads force out more evenly across the foot, providing ultra-lightweight and springy cushioning that helps protect the foot while improving stability and comfort for an enhanced running and workout experience. Reinvented Nike Flywire technology offers cutting-edge performance with a glove-like fit. Designers also obsessed over style, and the sleek look of the new Nike LunarGlide+ helps ensure a long run looks good, too.

This special edition of the Nike Hyperdunk+ and the new Nike LunarGlide+ will be available in Paris, Berlin, London, and New York at select retail locations.

Please visit www.nikestadiums.com for information on specific release dates and locations.

Nike performance innovations on display in a summer of competition

Sat, 28 Jul 2012 07:20:00 -0700

Nike has created a series of cutting-edge, lightweight performance innovations designed for the track, the basketball court and beyond for this summer. Multiple products have been designed to help athletes achieve their full potential, ranging from Nike Flyknit footwear, to the Nike Hyper Elite basketball uniform to the Nike Pro TurboSpeed suit.

"We believe this technology has the potential to change sports performance. Nike has always been committed to bringing the best innovations to athletes at every level and we’ve done that today in a powerful way," said Parker. "The Nike Flyknit upper redefines the idea of running footwear: Lightweight and virtually seamless, it acts like a second skin for the foot and is precision engineered in one piece and one layer to minimize waste, dramatically changing how footwear is designed and manufactured."

Nike’s products include:

	Nike Flyknit Nike Flyknit revolutionizes running by rethinking shoe construction from the ground up Informed by athlete insights and employing a new proprietary technology. Yarns and fabric variations are precisely engineered only where they are needed for a featherweight, formfitting and virtually seamless upper. With all the structure and support knitted in, the Nike Flyknit Racer’s upper and tongue weigh just 34 grams (1.2 ounces). The whole shoe weighs a mere 160g (5.6 ounces) for a size 9, 19% lighter than the Nike Zoom Streak 3, a shoe worn by first, second and third place athletes in the men’s marathon at the 2011 World Championships. Nike Flyknit upper is also engineered for precision fit, creating a feeling of a second skin. NIKE has created an everyday running shoe, the Nike Flyknit Trainer+, which at 220 grams or 7.7 ounces, will bring the weight and fit benefits of Nike Flyknit to runners of all levels.
	Nike Pro TurboSpeed The Nike Pro TurboSpeed suit is the lightest, fastest track uniform NIKE has ever built. Based on wind tunnel data, it is up to 0.023 seconds faster over 100m than our previous track uniform. For the past 12 years, incorporating more than 1,000 hours of wind tunnel testing, NIKE’s Project Swift has evolved and refined superior Nike AeroSwift technology, working towards maximum velocity for elite athletes. The technology will also be used by athletes from the USA, Russia, Germany, and China for international team competition and will be unveiled in a global color to be used by NIKE-sponsored athletes in individual competition from April onwards, and in the colors of the Russia Track & Field Federation. The striking uniform combines elements of national identity with scientific innovation. In a summer of competition with a focus on sustainability, uniforms in the Nike Pro TurboSpeed collection use an average of 82% recycled polyester fabric and up to an average of 13 recycled plastic bottles.
	Nike Zoom Spikes NIKE debuted the ultra-light Nike Zoom Superfly R4 and Nike Zoom Victory Elite spikes. Uniting superior fit, protection and NIKE’s dynamic Flywire technology that loosens or tightens with the natural motion of the foot to help provide support and stability, these cutting-edge shoes help prepare athletes for their greatest performance ever with a focus on speed.
	Nike Hyper Elite Basketball Uniform The Nike Hyper Elite shorts weigh five ounces, while the NIKE authentic basketball jersey, NIKE’s lightest jersey ever, features a breathable and durable design with striking Nike Aerographics visual design. The men’s jersey is made of approximately 96% polyester fabric derived from recycled plastic bottles while the short is 100% recycled polyester fabric. Nike uses an average of 22 recycled plastic bottles per uniform reflective of NIKE’s commitment to environmentally-sustainable design. The uniform will be worn by national basketball teams including USA, China, and Brazil in addition to teams attempting to qualify.
	Nike Hyperdunk Part of a pack of four shoes (including running, men’s training and women’s training), this shoe is part of the Nike Lunarlon Collection. An innovative combination of advanced NIKE Flywire technology and a basketball-specific NIKE Lunarlon cushioning system, this lightweight, more supportive, durable and breathable shoe is expressly designed to meet the demands of elite basketball players worldwide. Re-engineered NIKE Lunarlon foam is 30% lighter than Phylon (the standard foam used in sports shoe midsoles), and is designed to vary in density, being thicker where required for stability, but softer for absorbing impact in key areas. The uppers of the Nike Hyperdunk feature the most advanced version of NIKE Flywire, which uses high-strength cables constructed from a thin core encased in a flexible woven sheath. These responsive cables are loose when at rest and dynamic in motion, tensing to help stabilize the foot as required. The Lunarlon Collection and Nike Basketball products will be available at retail beginning June 29th while Nike Flyknit footwear will be available from July 27th.
	Nike GS Brazil star Neymar will become the world's most environmentally-friendly football player this summer, when he wears the new Nike GS football boot - the lightest, fastest, most environmentally-friendly production boot the company has ever made - along with a Brazil kit, made using fabric derived from recycled bottles. The Nike GS boot is constructed using renewable and recycled materials, designed for explosive performance on the pitch and lower impact on the planet. Every component has been optimized to reduce weight and waste, creating Nike’s lightest football boot ever at 160 grams (size 9). Conceived and engineered in Italy, the Nike GS features recycled and renewable materials throughout the upper and plate design. A bio-based traction plate made primarily from castor beans ensures strength and flexibility on pitch, alongside a sock liner made from 100% castor beans. The boot laces, lining and tongue are made from a minimum of 70% recycled materials. The toeboard and collar, feature at least 15% recycled materials.

Learn more about Nike’s Summer of Innovation products and technologies.

About NIKE, Inc.
NIKE, Inc., based near Beaverton, Oregon, is the world’s leading designer, marketer and distributor of authentic athletic footwear, apparel, equipment and accessories for a wide variety of sports and fitness activities. Wholly owned NIKE subsidiaries include Converse Inc., which designs, markets and distributes athletic footwear, apparel and accessories; Cole Haan, which designs, markets and distributes luxury shoes, handbags, accessories and coats; Umbro Ltd., a leading United Kingdom-based global football (soccer) brand; and Hurley International LLC, which designs, markets and distributes action sports and youth lifestyle footwear, apparel and accessories. For more information, visit www.nikeinc.com and follow @Nike.

Nike World Basketball Festival 2012 Closes with Event at MNAC in Barcelona

Fri, 27 Jul 2012 18:41:00 -0700

July 24, 2012. Barcelona, Spain – A half-court basketball arena was unprecedentedly set up in the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya (MNAC) for the Nike World Basketball Festival 2012 in Barcelona, Spain. More than a thousand basketball fans celebrated a memorable basketball night with Clyde Drexler, David Robinson and Chris Mullin from the 1992 Dream Team, in addition to LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant, Chris Paul, Deron Williams, Andre Iguodala, Anthony Daivs, Carmelo Anthony and James Harden from the 2012 USA Men's Basketball Team.

Chris Paul and Deron Willliams kicked off the five-hour basketball festival with a clinic with 10 young basketball players who participated the Nike Basketball Camp in Andorra earlier this July.

In the Nike+ Basketball Dunk Showcase competition, Rafal 'Lipel' Lipinski won the Regional championship with judges including Dream Team legends Clyde Drexler, David Robinson and Chris Mullin, as well as USA Men's Basketball Team member Andre Iguodala and Anthony Davis.

The Nike 3v3 Spain National Tournament final teams also received exceptional coaching from the 1992 Dream Team legends and two USA Basketball Team players Carmelo Anthony and James Harden. Clyde Drexler, David Robinson and Chris Mullin coached POPLITEOS from Madrid who won the U25 championship. NOBECATS from Barcelona won the U18 championshipguided by Anthony and Harden.

LeBron James, Kobe Bryant and Kevin Durant appeared at the finale of the 2012 Nike World Basketball Festival and awarded the championship teams and interacted with the fans in MNAC.

Barcelona was the final stop in the 2012 Nike World Basketball Festival which reached fans and young athletes from around the world. Originally created in 2010 as a celebration of the performance and culture of the game, the Nike World Basketball Festival 2012 expands to bring energy to the basketball communities in Barcelona, after London, Paris, Washington, D.C.

Will you recognize greatness when you see it?

Thu, 26 Jul 2012 09:10:00 -0700

Learn more about the Find Your Greatness campaign.

Watch all Find Your Greatness spots at Nike’s YouTube channel.

Find your Greatness here.

Nike presents the third release of the HTM Flyknit Collection

Wed, 25 Jul 2012 07:20:00 -0700

This July, Nike releases its third installment of the HTM Flyknit collection. HTM, the ongoing collaboration between Fragment Design Founder Hiroshi Fujiwara, Nike design legend Tinker Hatfield and Nike Inc. CEO and designer Mark Parker, celebrates the groundbreaking performance attributes of a new technology that changes the way footwear is constructed.

Since 2002, these three designers have worked together to amplify new innovations, reinterpret existing designs, and explore concepts that take the brand to new places.

Pushing the boundaries of Nike Flyknit technology by showcasing the aesthetic possibilities of fabrics, colors and patterns, this third collection features a refreshed series of color ways. Releasing as a collection of six unique color ways, the HTM Trainer+ is woven into four classic solids, Black, Blue, Volt, and bold Red, embellished with the swoosh mark on the back heel. Two additional styles from the collection feature a multi-colored upper that is the result of the yarns from the classic solids coming together through multiple weave variations. This approach allows for varying hues to combine into an intricate variation of textured patterns producing a bold heathered upper that exhibits the precision and complexity of knit technology. Made complete with Nike’s signature Lunarlon cushioning system, the HTM Trainer+ is finished with a sleek white Lunarlon sole that ties the collection together.

Launching this week, the third release of the HTM Flyknit Collection in all six color ways will be available in limited quantities at select Nike retail locations globally. Please visit www.nikestadiums.com for more information on specific release dates.

Nike Launches "Find Your Greatness" Campaign

Wed, 25 Jul 2012 04:00:00 -0700

It is not just the championship athlete or record breaker that aspires to push their limits. It is also the everyday athlete who strives to excel on their own terms, to set and realize personal goals and achieve their own defining moment of greatness.

That’s the insight behind Nike’s "Find Your Greatness" campaign, a powerful message to inspire anyone who wants to achieve their own moment of greatness in sport, launched just as the world focuses on the best of the best.

The centerpiece of the campaign is a "Find Your Greatness" film that breaks through social media and digital channels on July 25, supported by a global YouTube homepage promotion on July 26. The campaign is elevated by a global Twitter #findgreatness promoted hashtag to ignite conversation around how athletes everywhere find their own greatness. The film will then appear on TV in 25 countries on July 27.

As "Find Your Greatness" seeks to inspire everyone in their own personal achievements, Nike+ Running, Nike+ Basketball, Nike+ Training and the Nike+ Fuelband are the tools that enable everyday athletes everywhere to measure their performance and motivate themselves to do more.

The Nike+ digital ecosystem has over 8.5 million members globally, and Nike is creating a series of digital missions through Nike+ to motivate people, including a "Greatness is Ours" mission that aims to make August 12 the most active recorded day ever through Nike+.

People who engage in the missions will be encouraged to share their activity and achievements through social media and this will then be displayed on the Nike+ Fuelstream -- a dynamic online stream of imagery and consumer comments. They will also be elevated through Nike’s own social channels @nike, @niketraining, @nikerunning, @nikebasketball, which will encourage users with @ replies and motivation, and ultimately help stimulate and drive users to achieve their greatness.

The hub for this is nike.com/gameonworld – a motivational online destination to share progress and success through a series of tools and digital services designed to make every athlete better.

Find Your Greatness Film
The film shows everyday athletes from around the world training, playing and competing, with the common thread that the locations featured are all called London. We first join a scene at "London Gym" where a man pumps out crunches during a workout, then go to a rugby match in East London, South Africa, where a boy breaks the line handing off a larger opponent.

In Little London, Jamaica, a female boxer works the pads with consummate skill and precision. In London, Ohio, we see a close up of a focused young baseball player catch the ball and throw it to first base in one seamless action. While each athlete defines their own goals and success, they are all connected by a unifying sense of what greatness could be to them.

"The idea behind 'Find Your Greatness' is simply to inspire and energize everyday athletes everywhere to celebrate their achievements, participate and enjoy the thrill of achieving in sport at their own level," said Greg Hoffman, Nike VP of Brand Design & Communications. "Nike’s co-founder Bill Bowerman said, 'If you have a body you're an athlete,' and that's a really compelling insight for all athletes as we celebrate great sporting moments this summer."

As the athlete stories unfold, the film voiceover emphasizes that greatness is not simply reserved for the superstar athlete, but is inherently a part of what we can all aspire to and achieve. Whether that means finishing a first marathon in London, Canada, or a female Muslim team sharing a celebratory huddle on a soccer pitch at London School, Qatar, or passing under London Bridge over Lake Havasu, Arizona, in the heat of a first triathlon.

In effect, greatness has no fixed address but is a place where every athlete can achieve their own personal success and shape their own definition.

As the film reaches its climax we are reminded of the power in seemingly everyday moments from a young girl performing flips in her front garden to the crescendo of a young boy deliberating a first jump from a high diving board into a pool – a defining moment for him that ends in a final leap into his own moment of greatness.

Introducing the NIKE House of Innovation at Selfridges

Tue, 24 Jul 2012 09:00:00 -0700

Selfridges and Nike have launched a stunning experiential retail space designed for today’s style savvy, digitally connected athlete. From July 6 to August 12, the famous Oxford Street store in London is host to the NIKE House of Innovation at Selfridges – a futuristic space combining the best physical and digital experiences to enable and inspire everyday athletes to be the best that they can be. The cutting-edge space allows people to trial and buy the latest digitally enabled Nike products and also stocks limited edition sports inspired lifestyle collections. Inspired by the Nike+ FuelBand, the NIKE House of Innovation at Selfridges is split into several distinctive zones, featuring interactive experiences designed to encourage and reward movement:

Nike+ FuelBand
On stepping inside the space, consumers can trial and buy the Nike+ FuelBand, an innovative wristband that tracks movement throughout the day, designed to motivate and inspire users to be more active. The ergonomic Nike+ FuelBand captures and displays four different metrics: time, calories, steps and NikeFuel – a new metric that will be the ultimate measure of your athletic activity.

Nike Lunarlon+ Experience
The NIKE House of Innovation at Selfridges is one of a select number of UK stockists of the hotly anticipated NIKE+ range of digitally enabled basketball, training and running shoes for men and women – revolutionary shoes that allow athletes to measure their performance via interactive mobile applications.

Visitors to the Nike Lunarlon+ Experience can trial the shoes via an immersive, video game-style experience on giant LCD screens.

Nike Flyknit
The Nike Flyknit range of running shoes are showcased in a dedicated space, designed to appear as though it has been knitted.

Nike Flyknit running footwear features a revolutionary knitted upper using yarns that are precisely engineered to create a lightweight, form-fitting and virtually seamless upper designed to deliver great performance whilst reducing material waste.

NSW Pinnacle Collection
Reclaimed wood clashes with industrial concrete to frame the NSW Pinnacle Collection. Inspired by Nike’s running roots, this collection elevates off-field apparel with refined silhouettes, expert patterning and exclusive Nike technology evolving classic pieces into sophisticated, sport-infused attire.

Federation Uniforms
Visitors are also able to see a selection of the Nike Track & Field range that will be worn by the world’s top athletes including the Nike Pro Turbospeed suit, which will be worn by some of the fastest sprinters on the planet. Created using fabric made from an average of 13 recycled bottles, it’s the lightest, fastest track uniform Nike has ever built.

The NIKE House of Innovation at Selfridges is also about celebrating the culture and style of sporting innovation with a regular programme of free events, including Friday Night Fuel Sessions powered by Beats By Dre featuring live DJ performances alongside Fuel battles from cocktail making to dancing. The NIKE House of Innovation at Selfridges is open daily from 6 July to 12 August at the Selfridges Ultralounge, lower ground floor, Oxford Street, London.

NIKE BASKETBALL 1992-2012: Twenty Designs that Changed the Game

Fri, 20 Jul 2012 08:58:00 -0700

"Good design is a balance between art and science -- bold expression and just enough familiarity." -- Eric Avar, Nike Designer

Nike Basketball’s releases over the last 20 years represent the definition and redefinition of the hoops shoe. A 20-year work-in-progress. A cycle of delivering the unimaginable, making it better and then doing it all over again.

Nike designers have instigated multiple movements from 1992 to the present day. Of course, Nike has been committed to basketball since the 1970s. But new rules in the early 1990s opened up a global stage for the brand’s elite athletes, changing perceptions of basketball forever.

Branding was minimized, amplified, removed, flipped and then resurrected. Leather gave way to Durabuck, then pioneering poured foams, before uppers were fused. Shorts got longer, colorways went metallic and pearlescent before exploding in a limitless burst of brightness. Then there was Max Air, Nike Zoom, Tuned Air, Nike Shox and Nike Lunarlon — assistants in the sole unit for every type of player.

Nike designed for every movement, every dunk on primetime, every embarrassment in a concrete park somewhere. It matched point for point the new breed of athletes with their multiple modes of play.

Nike’s design continues to create the rules - conquering its own achievements to perfect performance for the next wave of icons.

In celebration of the summer of basketball, we’re revisiting our most iconic Nike Basketball shoes of the past 20 years. Beginning Monday, July 23, the untold stories of these 20 iconic shoes will be released daily on NikeInc.com. Every day, you can dive into inside stories from designers, original sketches, early ads and graphics, and more. Check back on Monday for the first installment.

Nike, Brazil Olympic Committee Announce Agreement to supply Brazil Olympic Uniforms

Wed, 18 Jul 2012 21:56:00 -0700

NIKE, Inc. and the Brazilian Olympic Committee, COB, have confirmed a partnership for Nike to become the official Medal Stand, Travel and Villagewear Apparel Supplier for COB for the next four years, including the 2012 and 2016 Olympic Games in London and Rio de Janeiro.

Nike will also supply the competition uniforms that will be worn in London for several Brazilian sports federations, including Track and Field, Football and Basketball.

“This is an unique opportunity for Nike to provide innovation that will help Brazilian Athletes perform at the highest level, both in London and in their home games in 2016”, said Cristian Corsi, Vice president and general manager of Nike do Brasil. “Nike has always been committed to bringing the best innovations to athletes at every level and we’ve done that in a powerful way for Brazil through this agreement”.

“Brazil is one of the most sport-obsessed nations on earth and Nike and Brazil have the same DNA in sport. Now we’ll be able to work together in a partnership that will certainly be significant for both partners”, said COB President Carlos Arthur Nuzman.

Nike is already a long-term partner with the Brazilian Football Federation, CBF; the Brazilian Basketball Federation, CBB; and the Brazilian Track and Field Federation CBAT, besides several national clubs and athletes.

This summer, Brazilian athletes will have access to a series of cutting-edge, lightweight performance innovations, including the Nike Hyper Elite uniform for basketball, which combines the principles of superior lightweight performance with a commitment to environmental sustainability. The Brazil basketball and football uniforms that will be worn in the UK are made from material derived in part from recycled plastic bottles.

USA Basketball Men’s and Women’s National Teams Defeat Brazil

Tue, 17 Jul 2012 10:36:00 -0700

Celebrating the pride and passion of the Washington, D.C. basketball community, the Nike World Basketball Festival 2012 continued in the nation’s capital. Behind LeBron James and his 30 points, the USA Basketball Men's National Team beat Brazil 80-69 on Monday night in an exhibition game in front of a sold-out crowd of 20,390. The USA Basketball Women’s National Team, behind Lindsay Whalen's 21 points, had defeated Brazil 99-67 earlier in the evening.

President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden attended the men's game, which was the team’s final exhibition game in the U.S. before they head abroad to play games in Manchester and Barcelona.

During the Nike World Basketball Festival 2012 members of USA Basketball's Men’s and Women’s National Teams competed and participated in youth skills clinics and community events throughout the world to celebrate the game of basketball. As part of USA Basketball's Hoops for Troops program, approximately 3,500 members of the military and their families attended Saturday's USA Basketball Men's National Team practice.

The Dream Team Destroyer Jacket Recounts Basketball History

Tue, 17 Jul 2012 10:18:00 -0700

To celebrate the 20th Anniversary of a moment that will forever be etched in basketball history, Nike Sportswear releases an animated film that recounts the epic journey of a team who earned the name “The Dream Team”. Inspired by the team’s 1992 victory in Barcelona, Nike Sportswear creates a collection that pays homage to the achievements of the legendary team. With the Dream Team Destroyer Jacket as the stand out piece in the film, various chenille patches, graphics and embroideries integrated throughout the jacket convey their story while the voices of Barkley, Pippen, and Robinson recount the intimate moments that lead to the ultimate conquest. Kevin Durant and Kobe Bryant, members of the new team, comment on how the events of ‘92 will be the standard for how they perform this summer for their country.

USA Men's and Women's Basketball Teams Photographed at Nike WBF

Mon, 16 Jul 2012 07:00:00 -0700

As the USA Men’s and Women’s teams train and prepare, they visited Washington, D.C. as part of the Nike World Basketball Festival 2012. Marking their last stop in the United States before heading abroad to Manchester, Barcelona and ultimately London, the teams have joined with Nike to celebrate the performance and culture of basketball.

Men pictured from left to right: Coach Mike Krzyzewski, Carmelo Anthony, Tyson Chandler, James Harden, Russell Westbrook, Kevin Durant, LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Andre Iguodala, Chris Paul, Kevin Love, Anthony Davis and Deron Williams.

Women pictured from left to right: Angel McCoughtry, Lindsay Whalen, Seimone Augustus, Candace Parker, Sylvia Fowles, Tamika Catchings, Sue Bird, Diana Taurasi, Maya Moore, Tina Charles, Asjha Jones, Swin Cash and Coach Geno Auriemma.

These photos have been digitally adjusted.

Nike Uniforms for Chinese Athletes

Mon, 16 Jul 2012 03:31:00 -0700

Nike has created uniforms that will be worn in London this summer by Chinese athletes competing in Archery, Basketball, Beach Volleyball, Tennis, Track and Field, Weightlifting and Wrestling.

Innovations included Nike’s lightest-ever Hyper Elite basketball uniform for China’s men's and women's basketball teams and the Nike Pro TurboSpeed Uniform for China Track & Field.

Craig Cheek, Vice President & General Manager of Nike China, commented: “Nike has been bringing innovations to Chinese athletes since 1984. These new products can help athletes unlock their potential and perform their best,” said Cheek.

World champion Chinese hurdler Liu Xiang, who wore the Nike Pro TurboSpeed technology during three consecutive wins at the IAAF World Grand Prix, shared his thoughts on the Nike Pro TurboSpeed track uniform. “That was the first time for me to wear such a compressed yet comfortable uniform. By offering aerodynamic drag reduction, this technology helps me achieve my best performance,” he said.

Nike’s designs for the Chinese Federation uniforms draw inspiration from China’s rich and vibrant culture, combining Chinese calligraphy with modern architectural design elements. They use simple, powerful and vibrant lines to illustrate Chinese athletes’ strength and confidence. The striking design of the uniforms evokes a strong sense of national pride. Inspired by the lyrics of China’s national anthem, the mantra “Arise, March On” is printed into the neckline of the basketball jersey.

The uniforms also combine superior lightweight performance with lower environmental impact as part of Nike’s ‘Better World’ ethos. Innovation is embedded into the design and development process from the very beginning, addressing use of environmentally preferred materials, reduction of waste and eliminating toxics. The Track and Field and Basketball uniforms are made using materials derived from recycled bottles.

Chinese national basketball player Yi Jianlian commented: “The new uniform and shoes are lighter and more breathable. The design, with its Chinese elements, makes us feel proud and confident on the court. I also really appreciate the commitment to the environment and the fact that the uniforms are made with recycled plastic bottles.”

耐克发布中国篮球、田径、举重、网球、沙滩排球、摔跤、射箭军团比赛服装

彰显超轻性能表现并激发国家荣耀

耐克公司在北京五棵松体育馆万事达中心携手七支中国国家队发布了一系列全新的比赛服装。包括中国国家篮球队、田径队、举重队、网球、沙滩排球、摔跤队及射箭队在内的七支中国军团将穿着全新服装出征下月在伦敦举办的全球运动盛会。这些比赛服装的科技包括：为中国国家男女篮球队设计的耐克有史以来最轻质的篮球比赛服及为中国田径队设计的Nike Pro TurboSpeed比赛服。

耐克集团副总裁、大中华区总经理齐凯歌(Craig Cheek)携手易建联、王仕鹏、朱芳雨、刘炜、苗立杰、陈楠、田源、陆浩杰、王娇等22名运动员代表在活动现场发布了蕴含最新设计的比赛服。齐凯歌表示，“自1984年中国重返奥运舞台以来，耐克就开始持续不断为中国运动员创造佳绩提供最先进的运动装备。我相信我们的创新产品能帮助运动员激发自身潜能、在赛场上发挥出最佳竞技水平。

因训练日程冲突而未能出席发布活动的中国田径队男子110米栏运动员、世界冠军刘翔，日前身穿Nike Pro TurboSpeed连续三次夺取了高手云集的国际田联大奖赛冠军，他说，“这是我首次尝试紧身比赛服，它很贴合身体，穿着舒服，让我动作完成很到位，能够更专注地进行比赛。”

在带来高性能表现的同时，这些比赛服装秉承了耐克 Better World 理念，强调对环境的低影响。创新环保理念充分贯穿于产品设计和生产过程中，打造出广泛使用再生材料并充分降低物料损耗的比赛服装。中国田径队及篮球队的比赛服装的材料均来源于回收降解的塑料瓶。

除了创新科技，新比赛服融入了丰富的中国文化元素及设计理念。“中国”汉字字符和“CHINA”英文字符是中国军团新装备上最具标志性的图案。从博大精深的中国传统文化中汲取灵感，耐克设计师在传承和创新的碰撞里大胆发挥，巧妙地将汉字复杂的笔画交织和中国当代建筑物恢弘大气的线条美相结合，创造出全新的字符设计。在“中国”汉字字符中，因横向线条的夸张角度而被改变的方框，使字型更加生动独特。中国五星红旗的元素也被融入其中，“国”字上的一颗红星如同点睛之笔，熠熠生辉。在中国篮球队的队服领口处，印有“ARISE, MARCH ON(起来，前进)”的标语，灵感来自中国国歌，意在为运动员加油鼓劲。中国男子篮球队员易建联说，“新的球衣和球鞋更加轻盈，透气性更好，设计上还融入了中国元素，穿着这样的装备让我感觉很自豪，也更有信心打好比赛。而我也听说这些比赛服都是用塑料瓶回收制成，我很欣赏这样的环保理念。

Brazil star Neymar goes green this summer

Wed, 11 Jul 2012 13:00:00 -0700

Brazilian football star Neymar will become the world's most environmentally-friendly football player this summer, when he wears the new Nike GS football boot - the lightest, fastest, most environmentally-friendly production boot the company has ever made - along with his Brazil kit, made using fabric derived from recycled bottles.

The shirt and shorts of the Brazil kit are both made from fabric that comes almost entirely from recycled plastic drinks bottles. The bottles are washed, chopped up into flakes and melted down into thread, which is then used to create the fabric. Each kit is made using a average of 13 recycled bottles. Since beginning this process for its club and national team partners in 2010, Nike has diverted over 115 million bottles from landfill sites.

The Nike GS boot is constructed using renewable and recycled materials, designed for explosive performance on the pitch and lower impact on the planet. Every component has been optimized to reduce weight and waste, creating Nike’s lightest football boot ever at 160 grams (size 9).

Conceived and engineered in Italy, the Nike GS features recycled and renewable materials throughout the upper and plate design. A bio-based traction plate made primarily from castor beans ensures strength and flexibility on pitch, alongside a sock liner made from 100% castor beans. The boot laces, lining and tongue are made from a minimum of 70% recycled materials. The toeboard and collar, feature at least 15% recycled materials.

“The Nike GS is the lightest and fastest football boot we’ve ever made and really defines a new era in how we create, design and produce elite football boots,” said Andy Caine, global design director for Nike Football. “When you can deliver a boot that combines high end performance and a low environmental footprint that’s a winning proposition for players and planet.”

Nike GS includes the following performance, recycled and renewable materials in the new boot:

Traction Plate & Stud Configuration:

Nike GS traction plate combines a high performance chassis with a strong responsive and agile form. The sole plate is made of 50% renewable Pebax® Renew (a plant derived material made with 97% castor beans) and 50% TPU, made from renewable materials. The plate is 15% lighter than a traditional plate composition.

The traction plate includes a minimalist diamond-silhouette spine, which provides optimal flex and agility in plate performance.

Anatomically positioned studs maximize speed in multiple directions to ensure responsive and assured movement on pitch.

Touch & Control:

A solvent-free Kanga-Lite synthetic upper provides zonal reinforcement for exceptional touch and control. The synthetic upper also supports lockdown on midfoot and arch area.

The lightweight and chemical-free sock liner is made of 100% castor beans and eliminates any layers for a snug fit and enhanced touch on the ball.

Stability & Support:

Anatomical and asymmetrical heel counter and heel bucket locks the foot down for stability and support. The counter is made of Pebax® Renew, derived from castor bean oil.

Nike GS will be available for purchase on 15th August.

More details at www.nikebetterworld.com/nikegs

Nike Unveils Uniforms for Russian Track and Field Federation

Wed, 11 Jul 2012 05:40:00 -0700

MOSCOW, Russia. (July 11, 2012) – Nike today unveiled its latest product innovations to be worn by the Russian Track and Field team this summer in London.

Merging performance, design and sustainability, Russian athletes will be able to take advantage of the best of Nike’s innovation with products such as the new Nike Pro TurboSpeed collection and the FlyKnit racer.

Michaela Stitz, Vice President and General Manger, Nike Central and Eastern Europe was joined by four Russian athletes Anastasia Kapachinskaya, Ksenia Vdovina, Lilya Shobukhova, Maria Savinova and Andrey Silnov to reveal the latest designs for the Russian athletes.

Nike Global Olympic Creative Director Martin Lotti said: “Our overriding design principle is superior lightweight performance, and we’ve created innovations that can help make the athlete faster. For the Russian Track and Field team, we’ve incorporated a mix of color, typeface and design that reflect the Russian national identity. Combined with the fact that every piece of apparel is made from recycled plastic bottles, it adds up to true innovation.”

The Russian uniform was inspired by a mix of iconic cultural imagery including constructivism art style and soviet era posters. The two-headed eagle crest over the heart signifies Russian pride and unity and is set against the distinctive blue and red uniform. The Russian typeface was inspired by prominent Russian artists and denotes a proud and industrious nation.

Valentin Balakhnichev, President of the Russian Track and Field Federation said: “With more than 100 athletes in our Track and Field squad this year, we are pleased to have Nike as a partner, supplying our team with innovative footwear and apparel to help unlock their potential and proudly represent their country.”

Anastasia Kapachinskaya said: “The kit should be first of all light and comfortable, to assure nothing distracts you from the competition. In my discipline speed is key and the Nike Pro TurboSpeed suit helps me to be faster on the track. I also like that the designers used traditional Russian elements in the design of the kit.”

The Nike Pro TurboSpeed suit is the lightest, fastest track uniform Nike has ever built. Based on 1,000 hours of wind tunnel testing data, it is up to 0.023 seconds faster over 100m than Nike’s previous track uniform. With a focus on sustainability, uniforms in the Nike Pro TurboSpeed collection use an average of 82% recycled polyester fabric and up to an average of 13 recycled plastic bottles.

The Nike Flyknit revolutionizes running by rethinking shoe construction from the ground up. Yarns and fabric variations are precisely engineered only where they are needed for a featherweight and virtually seamless upper. With all the structure and support knitted in, the whole shoe weighs a mere 160g (5.6 ounces). The inspiration for Nike Flyknit was born from everyday athlete insights, craving a shoe with the qualities of a sock: a snug fit that goes virtually unnoticed to the wearer.

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About NIKE, Inc.
NIKE, Inc. based near Beaverton, Oregon, is the world's leading designer, marketer and distributor of authentic athletic footwear, apparel, equipment and accessories for a wide variety of sports and fitness activities. Wholly-owned Nike subsidiaries include Cole Haan, which designs, markets and distributes luxury shoes, handbags, accessories and coats; Converse Inc., which designs, markets and distributes athletic footwear, apparel and accessories; Hurley International LLC, which designs, markets and distributes action sports and youth lifestyle footwear, apparel and accessories; and Umbro Ltd., a leading United Kingdom-based global football (soccer) brand. For more information, visit www.nikeinc.com.

Introducing the Nike 21st C. Windrunner V. for Team USA

Tue, 10 Jul 2012 07:20:00 -0700

Nike worked with renowned artist Marcus Gaab to explore the 21st C. Windrunner V. jacket and it's highly reflective properties. Modeled after a sportswear staple, the Windrunner is detailed with the trademark V-shaped chevron across the chest, dotted with ventilation perforations across the back and finished off with a hyper reflective shell that burns bright under the most subtle lights. Serving function and aesthetic, The "United States of America" is applied with precision laser technology, while the lower back is detailed with 50 perforations — one for each state. A badge on the inside of the jacket, placed over the heart reads "Team USA." The jacket will be worn, along with two other key styles, by athletes from different sports on the podium as the world watches on.