Nike Mind 001 shoes

Mind 001 slip-on

From the Waffle sole to Air Max cushioning and the carbon-fibre footplate, Nike has a history of pushing the boundaries of footwear design. The brand continued this trend in 2026 when its cutting-edge Mind Science Department developed the Nike Mind 001 – an easy-to-wear slip-on with an innovative, mind-altering sole.

The outer of the Mind 001 is made from a single piece of moulded foam which offers cushy comfort around the foot. Fully open at the heel, it can be slipped on and off with ease, providing casual convenience during pre-game routines, post-game recovery and everyday wear. The knitted tongue feels stretchy and comfortable against the instep, with perforations that join the large openings on the medial flank in ventilating the foot.

The innovative foundation of the Nike Mind 001 is a soft yet robust foam midsole fitted with 22 rounded nodes. These are attached to a thin piece of flexible, durable, water-resistant material that allows each foam node to move up and down independently as it impacts the ground. Operating like pistons, they subtly massage the foot, activating its mechanoreceptors and eliciting a proprioceptive response that engages the mind-body connection and helps the wearer remain present, focused and free from distractions when preparing to train or compete. It also enhances recovery by keeping them relaxed and grounded in the moment, with each component bonded together using powerful adhesives so that the shoe lasts. Lastly, traction is provided by rubberised segments on the toe and heel.

As well as being functionally unique, the Nike Mind 001 has a distinctly minimalist aesthetic. Its shape evokes a directionless mood that fosters feelings of calm, balance and presence, with refined Swooshes appearing across the design. The sidewall logos have been arranged vertically to represent the transfer of sensory information from the foot to the brain, and the strobel features intriguing graphics reflecting the location of the nodes alongside text that honours Nike’s Mind Science Department. Circular dimples decorate the integrated tongue and the pillar-like curves of the flanks, before the capsule-shaped heel tabs complete the look with elegantly etched “Nike Mind” lettering.

To promote the launch of the Mind 001 in January 2026, Nike enlisted elite athletes including Erling Haaland, who had been involved in the almost decade-long testing and development process. Lauding its positive effect on mindset, Haaland described how the 001 helps “bring balance” to his game. In March, the silhouette was involved in its first collaboration when visionary creative Hiroshi Fujiwara created a sophisticated black and blue edition. Meanwhile, the brand released in-depth interviews with the diverse team of neuroscientists and other experts behind the groundbreaking Mind platform. These revealed the secrets of the pioneering technology and teased the possibility of more exciting innovations to come from the Mind Science Department. 

Unique in look, feel and design, the Nike Mind 001 is a classy slip-on that helps athletes develop the mental fortitude and inner peace they require to perform at the highest level and then recover quickly and comfortably.