Nike Air Native N7

New Nike Athletic Shoes For Native Americans Could Help Diabetes Sufferers

The new "Air Native N7" shoe for Nike is designed specifically for Native Americans and is designed with a larger fit for the distinct foot shape of most American Indians. The shoe has also been designed with a culturally Native American appearance and the N7 name is a reference to the seventh generation theory, used in some Native American tribes to look to the three generations prior to them for wisdom and the three generations ahead of them for their legacy.

The company says that all profits from the sale of the Nike Native shoe will be contributed to health programs for tribal lands where some tribes are facing near epidemic levels of diabetes, obesity, and other related health conditions.

Sam McCracken, manager of Nike's Native American Business Program told the Associated Press that "Nike is aware of the growing health issues facing Native Americans." He went on to say "We are stepping up our commitment ... to elevate the issue of Native American health and wellness."

A Nike team of researchers surveyed the feet of people from more than 70 Native American tribes across the country and found that in general, American Indians have a wider and taller foot than the average shoe is designed for. Nike found in their survey that the average shoe width of Native American men and women measured was three width sizes larger than the standard Nike shoe. Therefore, the Nike Native American Shoes are wider with a larger toe box. The shoe also has fewer seams for less irritation, as well as a thicker sock liner for extra comfort, a very important element for diabetes sufferers.

Dr. Kelly Acton, director of the national diabetes program for Indian Health Services, said Nike "bent over backwards" to design the shoe and respect the health needs of Native Americans and that she is very happy with the result.