Nike is introducing a new sole utilizing
state-of-the art design methods and technologies to create a
lightweight, durable composite sole that can easily be used with
Össur's Flex-Run prosthetic blade for amputee athletes.
Not all competitive athletes have the privilege of
competing without obstacles, so Nike has designed the new Nike Sole
in conjunction with amputee triathlete and World Record Holder
Sarah Reinertsen and Össur, a leader in the orthopedics industry
known for their advanced prosthetic innovations.
"The Sarah Sole project is a special one for
Nike," said Tobie Hatfield, Nike Innovation Director. "The Nike
Sole is a shining example of our passion and commitment to serve
athletes and provide them the solutions they need to achieve their
goals - we're always listening to the voice of every athlete."
The Nike Sole features an integrated layered sole including an
outsole, midsole and thermal plastic urethane called Aeroply, made
of recycled Nike Air Bag units, serving as moderator between Nike
Sole and the Össur Flex-Run's carbon fiber blade. Nine nylon
plastic tabs serve as fingers that wrap snugly around the Flex-Run
carbon fiber blade for secure lock down and easy on-off. A stretch
rubber leash with tactile grip tab for easy placement over
medallion fastener provides additional security.
"The Össur Flex-Run enables amputees of all abilities to achieve
their athletic goals," said Jon Sigurdsson, Össur's president and
CEO. "This exciting collaboration has leveraged Össur's unmatched
research and development in running prosthetics with Nike's
first-class technologies, resulting in a product unlike any
other."
The first Nike prototype sole used by Reinertsen was made from a
Nike Free 5.0 Trail outsole, which was adhered to a plastic-based
sleeve that would slide onto the blade. Tobie Hatfield, Nike's
Innovation Director, worked closely with Reinertsen to tweak the
next round of prototypes based on her feedback wear testing the
sole unit.
Reinertsen, who faced the constant challenge of an unstable and
unpredictable footwear solution, was born with proximal femoral
focal deficiency. She had a bone-growth disorder which eventually
led to her becoming an above-the-knee amputee at seven years
old. Following the amputation she began to run track and
broke the 100-meter world record for female above-the-knee amputees
at the age of 13.
Like most competitive amputee athletes, Reinertsen competes today
in marathons and triathlons using an Össur Flex-Run prosthetic
carbon fiber blade and Nike Sole. In 2006, she began working with
Hatfield and the Nike Innovation Kitchen on a solution for her
prosthetic outsole needs.
Previously, Reinertsen would use the outsole of a traditional
running shoe as her prosthetic "shoe." With limited innovations
with prosthetic soles, this cobbling approach to creating solutions
using regular running footwear had become the norm. The new
Flex-Run with Nike Sole provides a reliable advantage and is now
available through prosthetists' offices globally.
Reinertsen's career success includes seven marathons (NYC 1997,
1998; LA 1998, 1999; Millennium New Zealand 2000; London 2002; and
Boston 2004) and she was the first female above the knee amputee to
complete the Ironman® World Championship in Hawaii in 2005.
She's hungry for more success.
About NIKE, Inc.
NIKE, Inc. based near Beaverton, Oregon, is the world's leading
designer, marketer and distributor of authentic athletic footwear,
apparel, equipment and accessories for a wide variety of sports and
fitness activities. Wholly-owned Nike subsidiaries include Cole
Haan, which designs, markets and distributes luxury shoes,
handbags, accessories and coats; Converse Inc., which designs,
markets and distributes athletic footwear, apparel and accessories;
Hurley International LLC, which designs, markets and distributes
action sports and youth lifestyle footwear, apparel and
accessories; and Umbro Ltd., a leading United Kingdom-based global
football (soccer) brand. For more information, visit www.nikeinc.com
About Össur
Össur (NASDAQ OMX: OSSR) is a global leader in non-invasive
orthopaedics that help people live a life without
limitations. Its business is focused on improving people's
mobility through the delivery of innovative technologies within the
fields of braces, supports, prosthetic limbs and compression
therapy, including the Flex-Foot Cheetah carbon fiber running
prostheses used by "The Blade Runner", renowned double-amputee
sprinter Oscar Pistorius. A recognized "Technology Pioneer",
Össur invests significantly in research and product development;
its award-winning designs ensuring a consistently strong position
in the market. Successful patient and clinical outcomes
are further empowered via Össur's educational programs and business
solutions. Headquartered in Iceland, Össur has major
operations in the Americas, Europe and Asia, with additional
distributors worldwide. www.ossur.com
Contact: Nerissa Silao for Össur: (714) 484-1128
or nerissas@ca.rr.com
Össur
Flex-Run with Nike Sole
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