Nike branches out

Nike, American Indians, and Joba the HeatWhat better way to branch out than to "address the specific fit and width requirements for the Native American foot"--not to mention the other groups that could also potentially benefit from specialized designs that might not be readily available in the current marketplace? And as a fan of and shareholder in Nike, this demonstrates to me that the company hasn't lost sight of what has turned it into one of the world's most ubiquitous and valuable apparel brands: a focus on improving individual athletic performance, whether by sport, geography, or now nationality.

A recent Wall Street Journal article covered the developments of rookie pitching phenom Justin Chamberlain. I think if the company really wants the Air Native to take off, it should immediately sign "Joba the Heat" as its star athlete. He apparently has quite a fast ball and is one of the most touted American Indian baseball players ever, with a catchy nickname adapted from a character in Star Wars.