The Beaverton-based company says the Air Native N7 is designed with a larger fit for the distinct foot shape of American Indians, and has a culturally specific look. It will be distributed solely to American Indians; tribal wellness programs and tribal schools nationwide will be able to purchase the shoe at wholesale price and then pass it along to individuals, often at no cost.
"Nike is aware of the growing health issues facing Native Americans," said Sam McCracken, manager of Nike's Native American Business program. "We are stepping up our commitment ... to elevate the issue of Native American health and wellness."
Nike said it is the first time it has designed a shoe for a specific race or ethnicity. It said all profits from the sale of the shoe will be reinvested in health programs for tribal lands, where problems with obesity, diabetes and related conditions are near epidemic levels in some tribes.
3 comments:
Writerfella here --
writerfella will do his level best to get TWO pairs of such footwear. He is a member of the Strong Heart program, is among the non-pre-diabetic Native Americans in the IHS medical system, and is under disability programs from his USAF service in the Viet Nam Era.
Nikes! Wow!
All Best
Russ Bates
'writerfella'
Apparently some Natives feel Nike is exploiting Natives. How do you feel about that?
Writerfella here --
Ask that same question AFTER you try to get a pair of those shoes, Rob!
All Best
Russ Bates
'writerfella'
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