New Zealand

Nike to release a range of shoes designed specifically for doctors and nurses

Nike are releasing a range of shoes designed specifically for health care professionals such as doctors and nurses.

"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."

What came from that is a shoe that is durable, comfy yet versatile, and complete with grippy soles and spill protection.

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.

"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.

"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.

"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."

A total of six different designs will soon 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.