Focused on the Future: The Sole Retriever Nike Mind 001 Slide Review

Nike seems to be sticking to a formula of dropping a hit foam-based slide to start out the new year. In 2025, we had the ReactX Rejuven8, but 2026 begins with a silhouette even more hyped than that: the Nike Mind 001. The pair sold out on release day in less than 5 minutes. Clearly people want this new neuroscience-based Nike slide. But how do they actually feel on foot? What’s the sizing like? We can answer these questions and more with our official review of the Nike Mind 001 slide.

Nike Mind 001 Explained

Nike developed the Nike Mind 001 silhouette with a particular goal in mind (pun intended). Tap into the mind-body connection by activating sensory receptors in the feet. The 22 orange nodes on the outsole function almost like pistons and gimbals, providing a unique feeling and texture underfoot. We’ll delve more into how exactly they feel later, but for now, let's stick to the science behind the Mind 001.

The aforementioned nodes are mapped to anatomical pressure points on the foot to help you feel focused, calm, and more present. As you walk, the foam nodes create a gentle pressure against these specific receptors on the bottom of your feet, with Nike claiming that the Mind 001 “can help you get out of your head, connect with your surroundings, and stay more present in the moment.”

How Does the Nike Mind 001 Fit?

In our opinion, the Nike Mind 001 fits true to size. Basically whatever size you wear in the majority of sneakers will be fine here. If you fall in between sizes, you should go up to the nearest full size. Also, don’t worry if you have wider feet. While the Mind 001 is not a wide shoe by any means, it isn’t particularly narrow to the point where you’d have to be worried.

What Does the Nike Mind 001 Feel Like?

Nike’s claim is that the sensory nodes underfoot are supposed to make you feel the texture of the ground below you. And while yes, you can feel differences based on the surface you’re stepping on, the best way to describe the feeling of the 22 nodes is like walking on bubble wrap. Not necessarily ACTUALLY walking on bubble wrap, which would be unstable and feel like you’re about to pop the bubble wrap, but in a soft, pressure-pointed way. The nodes compress just enough and slightly push into your foot in a comforting way. It’s kind of addictive to wear; you’ll never look at other slides the same way.

As for the foam used on the rest of the Mind 001, it’s plush and soft, but of course the sensory nodes are what take the comfort up another level. 10/10.

Should you Buy the Nike Mind 001?

If you can actually cop a pair of the Nike Mind 001, yes, go for it! As this is being written, the Mind 001 and its cousin the Mind 002 are fully sold out on Nike and other retailers. There are plans for tons of colorways and restocks over the coming months, so eventually everyone who wants a pair will be able to get one. It’s one of the most comfortable pieces of footwear on the market, and its combination of neuroscience and Nike’s soft, plush foam makes you want to wear them 24/7.

We’ll be keeping track of all the Nike Mind 001 slide restocks as they take place, so if you want to stay informed on the latest regarding the Mind 001 and other sneaker news, download the Sole Retriever mobile app.

Nicholas Vlahos

Sneakerhead from South Florida who turned his passion into a career. When not writing for Sole Retriever, I enjoy watching films and discovering music. Follow me on Letterboxd @nickvlah For tips, reviews, or any shoes in a size 13, email nick@soleretriever.com