What is Nike Mind?

Just when you thought slide technology had maxed out with one-piece molded clogs and squishy foam, Nike sent the slip-on to science class, tapping a newly minted sports science research program to craft a shoe that inspires mental focus with every step: The Nike Mind.

The Nike Mind collection is a series of recycled foam mules and sneakers with 22 carefully placed "nodes" set in the middle of the footbed to connect the wearer with the ground underneath. The revolutionary silhouettes have become so popular that securing them has proved somewhat difficult. All pairs of the Mind 001 and Mind 002 sold out instantly on release day, and people continue to give them high praise in reviews. So what is the Nike Mind? Let’s dive in.

How is Nike Mind Made?

Before we get into the mind-altering nodes in the Nike Mind slides, we’ve got to get into the upper first. On both the Nike Mind mule and the Nike Mind lace-up sneaker, the stacked columns and breathable perforations that make up the shoe are made of recycled foam for a sustainable approach.

On the slip-on Nike Mind 001 mule, the smooth upper is broken up by a perforated panel where the tongue would be, and on the Nike Mind 002 sneaker, the entire upper above the column stack is a perforated one-piece panel with a soft tongue and matching heel tab.

Nike Mind Nodes

The real star of the Nike Mind slides and sneakers is the mind-altering midsole construction. Built into the one-piece Nike Mind foam, the 22-node set connects the shoe from the ground to the foot, with each individual node placed strategically to target pressure points in the foot.

“For 45 years, Nike has studied the body in motion — how muscles fire, how joints move, how oxygen fuels performance,” says Dr. Matthew Nurse, VP, Chief Science Officer, Nike. “Now, we’re expanding into the mind. By studying perception, attention, and sensory feedback, we’re tapping into the brain-body connection in new ways. It’s not just about running faster — it’s about feeling more present, focused, and resilient. That’s the next frontier of performance.”

The foot has long held the answer to questions about the rest of the body and Nike is using the Mind series to tap into their powerful properties. From dialing in a wearer's focus to improving their perception of the terrain around them, Nike Mind technology propels footwear forward into the next generation.

Origins of Nike Mind

Taking hints from the Nike Offline series that started in 2020, which added dimpled nodes into the insoles and footbeds, the Nike Mind series upped the ante with neuroscience-tested placement and construction to tap the brain into every step. Nike claims that the sensory footwear helps “reawaken the foot, the body, and the mind,” and it was developed over the course of five years. Athletes like Erling Haaland were one of hundreds who tested the footwear, and in his words “Every step I take, I think of the shoe and what I feel in my feet — which is a good thing. It helps me to bring balance to my game.”

Following the Nike Offline series in the early 2020s, Nike officially released the Nike Mind on January 8, 2026.

Nike Mind 001 vs 002

While much of the hype around the Nike Mind has been focused on the futuristic looking foam 001 slides, the more traditionally-designed 002 sneakers may have even more real world applications.

Both the 001 and 002 feature breathable perforations, vented panels, and single-piece upper construction, but the 002 features a versatile lacing mechanism and more functionality for bringing your mind-altering footwear on-the-go.

So what is Nike Mind? A revolution in training, recovery, and pre-game footwear that takes stress off the mind and brings presence to the moment with every step. For all the latest Nike Mind release and restock info, download the Sole Retriever mobile app.

Zach Harris

Zach Harris is a writer based in Philadelphia. His work has appeared in Rolling Stone, Vice, Complex, High Times, and more. He is obsessed with skateboarding and bowling. He is still looking for his first 300. For tips, reviews, and anything in size 10.5 - zach.h@soleretriever.com