In a world where business is cold, impersonal, and not genuine, a simple act of kindness can be an effective marketing strategy. In this case, when it comes to amputee athletes, self-customization is what matters. When Sarah Reinertsen, competitive runner and marathoner, needed soles for her prosthetic running blades she turned to Nike and leading prosthetics maker Ossur to create a sole that interlocks with the company's Flex-Run Foot.
The Nike Sole is a lightweight composite outsole that slides onto the Flex-Run and stays put, thanks to nine nylon tabs that grip on to the running blade. Before this innovation, “amputees had to buy a pair of shoes and use one if they were a single amputee,” like Reinertsen, Nike Innovation Director Tobie Hatfield sais. The shoe’s sole would then be cut out and taped, glued or Velcroed on to the running blade, leaving little room for style or ease. Composed of 4 layers--including a layer made of recycled Nike Air Bag units--the Nike Sole also features a rubber leash that hooks onto a tab for extra security.
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Össur is a company making non-invasive orthopaedics. It makes and sells bracing and support products, compression therapy, and prosthetics. The company’s headquarters are in Reykjavík, Iceland. The company also has extensive operations in the Americas, Europe, and Asia, with numerous distributors in other markets.
Nike Sole: A Shoe For Prosthetic Athletes