I would venture to guess that most Americans have donned a pair of Nike shoes at some point in their lives. I completed three marathons wearing Nike running shoes. The particular shoe I wear addresses my needs as a severe over-pronator. But, as I’m sure you are well aware Nike offers dozens of different styles of athletic shoes, and now their latest creation is making headlines.
For the first time in the company’s history it has created a shoe specifically for American Indians. Designers say they did so in an effort to promote physical fitness in the population that is dealing with high obesity rates.
The company says the new Nike Air Native N7 is designed for American Indians who tend to need a larger fit for their distinct foot shape. (Nike researchers say they found that in general, American Indians have a much wider and taller foot than the average shoe accommodates.) The new Air Native has a culturally specific look (it’s white with orange accents and looks like a souped up moccasin) and according to company executives, the shoes will be distributed solely to American Indians, tribal wellness programs and tribal schools. The organizations will be able to purchase the shoes at wholesale prices and then pass them along to needy individuals at reduced rates, or in some cases, give them out for free.
Nike execs say this is the first time it has designed a shoe for a specific race or ethnicity and are anxious to see how well it is received. But, perhaps, the most important news about the shoes is that all the profits Nike makes from selling them will be reinvested in health programs for tribal lands, where obesity, diabetes and related conditions are near epidemic levels.
Speaking of getting just the right fit… some die-hard “Star Trek” fans in the tiny Canadian town of Vulcan are making headlines of their own. They think it only makes sense that the premiere of the new “Star Trek” movie should be held in their hometown because “Star Trek XI” includes a storyline about the young Spock, who’s from the planet Vulcan.
For those of you who haven’t read much press about the new film here are a few details: “Lost” creator and “Mission Impossible III” director J.J. Abrams directed the movie. And “Heroes” villain Zachary Quinto plays the main character. Oh, and don’t worry Trekkies, Leonard Nimoy, who played Spock on the classic “Star Trek” television series and in some of the movies, also has a role as the older Spock in the new film.
As for the residents of Vulcan, well, they are serious about hosting the film’s premiere. The Canadian Press is reporting that members of the Alberta Film Commission will take Vulcan’s proposal to an industry meeting in Los Angeles later this year.
“Star Trek XI” is scheduled to be released on December 25, 2008.
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