Nike Debuts Mind-Altering Footwear with Mind 001 and Mind 002 Brain Stimulation Shoes

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Quick Facts

  • Nike has developed new recovery footwear
  • The Nike Mind series is designed to activate key sensory areas of the brain using underfoot stimulation
  • The foam nodes built into the sole are supposed to make wearers feel like they are stepping on bare ground
  • This drives focus to the feet and the moment at hand
  • The Nike Mind 001 and 002 will be released January 2026
Nike Mind 001 and 002 Debut
Nike Mind 001 and 002 Debut

From on-court performance to training and recovery, Nike has been a leader in physical performance gear for decades. Now, with the introduction of two new silhouettes, Beaverton is looking to revolutionize athletes’ mental game as well.

We’ve seen early previews of the Mind 001 mule, but now we’ve also got images of the Mind 002 sneaker, a release plan, and a solid explanation of the ideas driving the network of foam nodes sitting beneath every step. Marketed as mind-altering footwear, the shoes are designed to activate key sensory areas of the brain using underfoot stimulation. The foam nodes built into the sole are supposed to make wearers feel like they are stepping on bare ground, driving focus to the feet and the moment at hand, and not the daunting tasks ahead.

Nike Mind 001 and 002 Debut
Nike Mind 001 and 002 Debut

“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.”

So far, Nike has released images of two colorways of the bulky Mind 001 mule in grey and red, but this is the first time we’ve seen the Mind 002 sneaker. Also showing up in a clean grey colorway, the lace-up runner style silhouette features columns across the midsole, a perforated upper with a small Swoosh on the side panel, and, of course, a series of orange nubs sitting in the footbed to stimulate your brain.

The Nike Mind 001 and 002 will be released January 2026 through Nike and select retailers in-store and online. Available in unisex sizing, the retail price for the Mind 001 is $90, and the Mind 002 is priced at $145. To be the first to find out exactly when these space-age stimulation shoes drop early next year, make sure to download the Sole Retriever mobile app.

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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