Nike has developed a shoe specifically for healthcare staff, such as nurses, doctors and home care workers. The product was extensively tested in a children's hospital in the US city of Portland.
The same hospital to gather insights from healthcare staff. During the sessions, the designers of the so-called Air Zoom Pulse learned what hardships care workers have to endure during their daily work. For example, nurses walk over 8 kilometres and sit for less than an hour during a 12-hour shift. Mentally and physically, it is tough work. To tackle these challenges, the design of the shoe in particular was kept simple. This makes the footwear easy to put on and take off and simple to clean. The fit, cushioning and traction systems work together to protect the foot in all possible hospital conditions.
Standing for long periods
The designers looked at even more issues. They asked how the shoe would be both comfortable for standing for long periods and diverse enough to support the hurried movements that can occur in emergency situations? The answer was found in an all-rubber outsole, a flexible drop-in midsole with the Zoom Air heel and a heel that fits firmly but feels soft.
The design elements of the Air Zoom Pulse at a glance:
* The lace-free upper has a protective PU-coated synthetic front for easy cleaning
* An elastic strap keeps the heel securely enclosed and provides flexible and easy entry with one hand
* The durable, all-rubber outsole has a water dispersive traction pattern
* The subtle Asterisk logo refers to Nike's corporate mission and belief that "if you have a body, you are an athlete."
You can think of the Air Zoom Pulse as almost like a traditional clog made athletically - all the arches and posture support has been incorporated into the Pulse, while still providing the flexibility needed for natural movement. Furthermore, all the contingencies that can arise in a hospital have been taken into account. For example, the coated 'toe box' protects against spills and smooth surfaces have been taken into account.
Source: Nike
