Nike Unveils Mind 001 and Mind 002 in a Neuroscience Powered Innovation

Nike has introduced a revolutionary new category in sport innovation with the debut of Mind 001 and Mind 002. This is the first-ever neuroscience-driven footwear collection. These groundbreaking silhouettes are designed to stimulate the brain’s sensory regions through underfoot contact. This helps athletes feel more focused, grounded, and mentally present both before and after competition.

The launch marks a defining moment for Nike’s ongoing mission to merge sport performance, psychology, and neuroscience, creating footwear that trains not only the body, but the mind.

Reawakening the Mind-Body Connection

The Nike Mind collection redefines what athletic footwear can do. Instead of prioritizing speed, cushioning, or propulsion, Mind 001 and Mind 002 are designed to activate the brain’s sensorimotor network. This system links movement with sensory feedback.

Developed over ten years by the Nike Mind Science Department, a division of the Nike Sport Research Lab (NSRL), the Mind project uses a series of 22 anatomically mapped foam nodes placed strategically underfoot.

Each node functions as a micro piston and gimbal. It moves independently to deliver tactile feedback that mimics natural foot-ground interaction. This design helps wearers stay present, reduce distractions, and achieve a flow state. It is effective whether preparing for a match, meditating, or winding down post-game.

Nike’s researchers describe the result as “seat-of-the-pants feedback”, an immediate sense of awareness and connection between the mind and movement.

Inside the Innovation: Mind 001 vs. Mind 002

Mind 001 Mule

• A slip-on silhouette built for effortless use and mental reset.

• Features a perforated, breathable upper and textile topcloth for ventilation.

• The underfoot layer houses 22 foam nodes, optimized for maximum sensory engagement.

• Available in striking colorways like Black/Hyper Crimson and Solar Red/Chrome.

• MSRP: $95 USD.

Mind 002 Sneaker

• A performance-oriented lace-up model designed for deeper sensory intensity.

• Includes a molded heel, adaptive sockliner, and pull tab for stability and comfort.

• Bring the foot closer to the node platform for amplified feedback and connection.

• Launching in four initial colorways.

• MSRP: $145 USD.

Both styles are crafted with flexible, water-resistant materials, soft midsoles, and breathable overlays, ensuring all-day comfort and adaptability for training, travel, or recovery.

The Science Behind Nike Mind

At the heart of the Nike Mind initiative is decades of scientific collaboration and cutting-edge neuroscience research. The company leveraged advanced mobile brain and body imaging (MoBI) technologies, tools typically reserved for medical labs, to map how the brain responds to sensory input during movement.

Over hundreds of athlete trials, participants logged countless sessions wearing Mind prototypes. Among them was Erling Haaland, Nike athlete and Manchester City striker, who praised the shoes for helping him “bring balance to my game.”

The findings were consistent: wearers reported heightened awareness, sharper focus, and a grounded sense of control. According to Nike’s scientists, this happens when the brain’s default mode network (DMN), associated with wandering thoughts, is quieted. This allows the sensorimotor network to take over, promoting flow, calm, and precision.

Mindful Design for Modern Performance

Unlike high-speed or competition footwear, the Nike Mind series is designed for mental recovery and sensory alignment.

• The shoes are directionless by design, encouraging freedom of movement and a focus on mindfulness over metrics.

• The tactile response from the foam pistons promotes neurological engagement, improving awareness and postural balance.

• Materials were chosen for both comfort and consciousness, reinforcing Nike’s push toward holistic performance where athletes can “reset” before, during, or after intense training.

Every step is intended to restore the connection between mind, body, and motion, making the technology equally beneficial for meditation, cooldowns, or daily wear.

Part of Nike’s Tech Month Innovation Wave

Mind 001 and Mind 002 arrive as key pillars of Nike’s 2026 Tech Month, a showcase of the brand’s most ambitious R&D projects to date.

Other headline technologies debuting alongside include:

• Project Amplify, the world’s first powered running shoe.

• Air Apparel, integrating airflow architecture into performance clothing.

• Aero-Fit, an advanced cooling system for endurance athletes.

Together, these releases reflect Nike’s expanding vision to integrate neuroscience, biomechanics, and digital sport ecosystems into the next generation of athletic design.

Launch and Availability

Both Nike Mind 001 and Mind 002 will be available starting January 2026 at nike.com/mind and select global retailers.

• Mind 001 retails for $95 USD, and Mind 002 for $145 USD.

• Both will launch in unisex sizing, with additional colorways scheduled throughout 2026.

This release not only represents the next frontier in footwear but also Nike’s broader philosophy: movement begins in the mind, and the future of performance lies in understanding that connection.