WE'VE GOT GEAR: IF THE SHOE FITS

Nike has been producing basketball shoes with innovative technology for many years. They began to explore "Air" back in 1979, when Frank Rudy began developing a cushioning system akin to inflated wheels.

"When you come down, it's supposed to give you that pillowlike landing pad, but when you step off of it, it's recovering back up to its actual shape, and then you can step on it again and take that pressure again," says Loretta Louie, product line manager for women's basketball at Nike.

In basketball, a player can land at eight to 10 times her body weight. It is important that her shoes not only cushion the impact, but also allow her quick recovery. That is why a basketball shoe is different from a running shoe.

"In basketball, you can't have it be that soft, or it would become an unstable shoe - especially with all the lateral cuts, the movements and the backward pedaling you do," Louie explains.

In addition to "Air," the technology most requested currently in Nike shoes is "Shox."

"Everyone knows them as the boing," says Louie, referring to the jump action they provide.

"In the middle, right under your heel bone, is this pocket to help take the impact as you come down, but also give you a responsive type of cushioning that gets you to go into your next step," Louie notes.

As comfort is key, most Nike basketball shoes feature a synthetic leather, which stretches to you but does not stay stretched out and become baggy. It is more durable and lighter weight than natural leather. There is also breathability through the mesh tongue up the middle of the shoe. Team shoes feature a highly durable sock liner.

Shoes feature a speed lacing system.

"You can pull from the top, and it will pull all the laces tight," Louie says.

Most Nike basketball shoes can easily accommodate an orthotic insert or ankle support, such as an Active Ankle.

Louie's job is to constantly investigate what girls and women want to see in a Nike basketball shoe. She is part of a team that includes designers, developers and an advance group constantly exploring new technologies.

Depending on price, most Nike basketball shoes are available in from five to 10 colors. Certain options for specific team colors also exist.

To find out more about Nike basketball shoes, log onto www.nikebasketball.com. They are also sold at sporting goods stores and in catalogues such as Eastbay.

Nike Shox Status

Lightweight synthetic leather and mesh upper. Speed lacing system. Heel plate for increased support. Double lasted Phylon midsole. Nike Shox technology in the heel and Zoom Air in the forefoot. Solid rubber outsole with maximum traction herringbone pattern. Currently available, $100.

Air Team Consistent

Rich full grain and synthetic leather upper. Enhanced foam package for extreme comfort. Speed lacing system. Durable polyurethane midsole with visible heel air-sole unit. Midfoot TPU shank for torsional rigidity. Modified wave bone traction pattern. Exposed shank for stability. Currently available, $80.

Nike Shox Lite TB

Combination of synthetic leather and lightweight textile upper. Internal speed lacing system. Heel plate for increased support. Double lasted Phylon midsole. Nike Shox technology in the heel combined with Zoom Air cushioning in the forefoot. Durable solid rubber outsole with herringbone pattern for enhanced traction. Available June 2004, $100.

Air Uptempo Runnin' TB

Combination synthetic and rich full-grain leather upper. Heel TPU chassis for increased lateral support. Heel soft notch for increased comfort. Durable full-leather polyurethane midsole. Tri-Vis Air-Sole unit in the heel for a cushioned ride. Solid rubber outsole with herringbone pattern for great traction. Available June 2004, $80.

Air Zoom Defiant TB

Rich smooth synthetic leather upper. Molded midfoot quarter panel for added support. Heel soft notch for increased comfort. Internalized Phylon midsole for low-to-the-ground cushioning. Zoom Air unit in the forefoot. Solid rubber outsole with maximum traction herringbone and wave bone pattern. Available June 2004, $70.

Copyright Ashton International Media, Inc. Feb 2004
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