Nike Innovation: How Nike Designs for Everyday Athletes

Nike's Expanded Sports Research Lab: A Hub for Innovation

Approximately eight years ago, Nike initiated plans to significantly expand the Nike Sports Research Lab (NSRL), previously located within the Mia Hamm building at the company’s headquarters.

Currently, the NSRL is five times larger than its original footprint. It now fully occupies the top floor of the newly constructed LeBron James Innovation Center, providing ample space for collaborative efforts.

Athlete-Driven Research and Development

Researchers analyze elite athletes, such as soccer player Megan Rapinoe and marathon record holder Eliud Kipchoge. They meticulously study variations – even down to millimeters – in foot dimensions and the force exerted with each foot strike.

This data informs the design of apparel and footwear intended to optimize athletic performance. Athletes also benefit through personalized insights gained from scientific analysis of their bodies and movements.

However, the NSRL’s scope extends beyond professional athletes. It also serves individuals engaged in recreational sports, everyday runners, and even expectant and new parents, as showcased in Nike’s “The Toughest Athlete” campaign.

Leveraging Data and Artificial Intelligence

Matt Nurse, vice president of the Nike Explore Team Sport Research Lab, explains that Nike sometimes prioritizes accelerated understanding through focused investigation.

“Another facet of our scientific approach involves large-scale data analysis, utilizing machine learning and AI to identify patterns and insights related to human movement,” he states.

Nurse notes that 80% to 85% of NSRL participants are everyday athletes representing diverse backgrounds and body types. The expanded facility is designed to accommodate thousands of active individuals, accelerating the learning process and product development.

Experiencing the Innovation Center

Nike recently hosted a media event offering a firsthand look at the interaction between athletes, researchers, and innovators in the development of Nike products.

The 750,000-square-foot LeBron James Innovation Center’s entrance immediately conveys Nike’s decade-long commitment to data-driven design and innovation.

A visual representation of LeBron James’ 30,000 career points is displayed on the polished concrete floor. Each shot attempt is marked, with golden dots signifying successful shots and zeros representing misses.

Key milestones, including his first and 20,000th points, are highlighted with captioned markers.

Inside the Innovation Hub

The floors above the entrance house prototypes for both apparel and footwear. Designers and creators work alongside robotics, 3D printers, and specialized sections for knit, textile, and embroidery work.

A replica of the Winnebago used by Nike co-founder Phil Knight during his travels to track meets is also present. He would distribute early versions of Nike footwear to athletes for immediate feedback.

The 84,000-square-foot NSRL, situated on the building’s top floor, is where researchers and athletes collaborate on the development of Nike’s products.

The NSRL features a full-size NBA regulation basketball court, a 200-meter running track, climate-controlled chambers, and artificial turf. These areas are equipped with 92 force plates, 400 motion capture cameras, and 80 prototyping machines.

Advanced Measurement Technologies

Force plates, described by Nurse as advanced scales, are embedded beneath the track, turf, and basketball court surfaces.

Unlike conventional scales providing a single reading, these plates measure force in three dimensions – vertically, laterally, and longitudinally – tens of thousands of times per second.

For runners, this allows precise measurement of the force applied during foot contact and push-off.

Facilitating Natural Movement

The increased space within the NSRL enables more natural and unrestricted athletic movement.

“Our aim is to allow athletes to perform at full speed and in continuous play,” Nurse explained. “Smaller facilities can sometimes lead to choreographed movements. Here, we can observe athletes in realistic game scenarios.”

Insights from Nike’s Research Lab

Nurse explained that to effectively communicate to researchers how the lab’s various tools are utilized for both controlled experiments and large-scale observational data gathering, they focus on understanding three key elements: “dosage, behavior, and response.” A functional prototype, according to their methodology, must yield sufficient data to analyze these components.

This approach, they believe, is a proactive method for identifying potential issues.

During our visit to the facility, we experienced a series of assessments mirroring those used by Nike for its professional athletes. These tests were conducted on a basketball court, a running track, a turf field, and within specialized treadmill bays.

Initial Data Collection

The process began with gathering comprehensive baseline data. This included a complete body scan to establish ideal Nike apparel sizing, detailed morphological body size tracking, and an assessment of skeletal and muscular imbalances.

Furthermore, a separate three-dimensional scan was performed on my feet and ankles, followed by a barefoot walking pressure test prior to utilizing the Applied Performance Innovation Treadmill.

I selected a comfortable jogging pace and ran for approximately two to three minutes while the system recorded the activity for subsequent analysis.

Analyzing Athletic Form and Function

Researchers are equipped to observe and analyze running form, identifying issues such as excessive bounciness, running primarily on the toes, or an overly forward lean.

Beyond observation, they can also offer practical recommendations for improvement.

For instance, a runner exhibiting a forward lean might benefit from strengthening their gluteal muscles or hamstrings to achieve a more efficient running gait.

Footwear Recommendations

By integrating biomechanical knowledge with their proprietary algorithm development, and combining this with the collected baseline data, researchers can provide tailored footwear recommendations.

These recommendations aim to optimize performance, enabling athletes to run faster, endure longer distances, and/or reduce physical stress on the body.

The Running Track Facility

The facility’s running track encircles both the athletic field and the basketball court. It is equipped with force plates and motion capture cameras, allowing for comprehensive analysis of running mechanics. These tools support both extended runs and detailed assessments of specific movements, like race starts.

An LED pacer, often referred to as the “Rabbit,” provides an additional control element for experimental runs. Furthermore, a 100-meter stretch of concrete is incorporated to replicate the experience of running on outdoor surfaces.

Footwear Testing and Observations

During my visit, I had the opportunity to test two distinct shoe models. The Nike Infinity React shoes are engineered for maximum protection, enhanced stability, and reduced stress on the body. I successfully completed laps at a pace comfortably ahead of the average Nike Run Club member’s mile time of 11:37, yet considerably slower than the pace maintained by elite marathoner Eliud Kipchoge, as indicated by the illuminated green LED pacer.

However, attempting a lap with the ZoomX Invincible – the preferred race shoe of many elite runners – revealed a mismatch between the shoe’s design and my individual biomechanics. The shoe’s cushioning system, designed for lightweight performance with a carbon plate embedded within its advanced foam and air sole, proved unsuitable for my foot structure.

While the construction optimizes efficiency for certain runners, it created an unstable experience for me. I am not a dedicated runner, despite possessing reasonable form, and have narrow feet, a history of ankle injury, and notably flexible ankles. Consequently, I was unable to finish even a 200-meter lap.

The Importance of Diverse Athlete Data

The significance of studying a broad spectrum of athletes is paramount. Analyzing the performance of an elite athlete like Kipchoge yields valuable insights. His exceptional physical efficiency allows him to complete a marathon in under two hours, meaning he doesn’t experience the prolonged strain of longer durations.

Conversely, the average marathon finisher typically completes the race in a time between 4 hours and 20 minutes and 4 hours and 40 minutes. This substantial difference highlights the need for data collection across a wide range of abilities.

This extensive data gathering process will drive footwear innovation, leading to the development of running shoes tailored to runners of all levels – from world-class marathoners to casual joggers. Nike aims to create appropriate footwear for every runner.

The Turf Facility

Nike’s Turf Lab possesses the most extensive data collection capacity within the National Soccer Research Laboratory (NSRL), and potentially globally. This facility utilizes force plates integrated beneath the playing surface to analyze both live game scenarios and meticulously controlled experiments.

Researchers can gather performance data from up to 22 athletes simultaneously – mirroring the number participating in a standard soccer match – as they move at varying velocities and interact with each other, the playing surface, their footwear, and the ball.

Data Capture and Analysis

The turf is also equipped with a projection screen, enabling the recording of shooting and passing accuracy. This allows for precise measurement of player skill and technique.

Nike’s footwear development for soccer players concentrates on two distinct, yet crucial, elements: the outsole, responsible for traction, and the upper, dictating the range of motion required for dribbling, passing, and striking the ball.

A network of 200 cameras encircles the testing area, capturing movement with submillimeter precision. Beneath the turf itself lie 15 force plates, providing detailed data on ground reaction forces.

Performance and Protection

By analyzing athlete movement within this controlled setting, researchers can identify even the smallest adjustments needed to enhance both performance and player protection. Many of these findings are transferable to other field sports, including baseball, football, and rugby.

During a recent soccer evaluation, a simulated game scenario was experienced, involving a shuttle run mimicking a defensive tackle, maneuvering around an opponent, and then executing a shot on a projected target within the goal.

Analyzing Athlete Mechanics

This simulation captured data related to the forces generated during cutting movements, the athlete’s agility and timing throughout the run, the decision-making process upon target appearance, and the precision of the shot.

The test results reveal insights into an athlete’s size, explosive power, and the speed at which they can generate force against the force plate. This power, combined with the footwear’s traction, directly influences movement speed.

Insufficient traction, even with significant force application, will result in reduced velocity.

The Importance of Footwear Components

Footwear offering exceptional traction but lacking adequate containment in the upper can lead to foot slippage within the shoe. While the shoe interacts effectively with the ground, the foot itself isn't securely held.

Conversely, an upper providing excellent containment paired with poor traction will ensure a snug fit, but the shoe itself will slide on the playing surface. This data facilitates iterative improvements to footwear design.

Basketball Court Analysis

Adjacent to the running track, a basketball court is equipped with force plates designed to gather data from basketball athletes.

The court is comprehensively instrumented with motion capture cameras. Players utilize wearable sensors to monitor their heart rates and movement velocities during gameplay.

This performance data is displayed in real-time on a prominent wall-mounted screen. Beneath the basket, a force plate integrated with a 4K camera meticulously records the interaction between a player’s footwear and the court surface.

By combining the force plate data with motion sensor tracking, researchers can assess the impact of shoe characteristics – such as sole stiffness and thickness – on an athlete’s speed.

Observations focus on the sole’s contact with the floor, concurrently monitored with the athlete’s physiological response via heart rate tracking.

Furthermore, a dedicated camera positioned within the hoop precisely records the ball’s trajectory during shooting attempts.

Analysis of this shooting data yields actionable insights for functional adjustments, ultimately leading to improved shot consistency and efficiency.

Climate Chambers for Apparel Innovation

Effective moisture management is crucial for clothing functionality, and understanding the diverse needs of wearers provides designers with valuable insights. During our visit, we observed two climate chambers – one simulating hot conditions and the other cold – capable of precise environmental control.

These chambers can regulate temperature from -20°C to over 50°C, humidity levels from 10% to 90%, and wind speed. Furthermore, they replicate solar radiation using specialized bulbs that mimic the sun’s spectral output.

Replicating Real-World Conditions

The precision of these chambers allows for the simulation of specific weather events. On the day of our tour, the hot chamber was calibrated to 34°C and 70% humidity, mirroring the exact conditions experienced in Tokyo on August 6th during the Summer Olympic Games.

This level of accuracy proved vital as some athletes and staff required treatment for heat exhaustion during those games.

Evaluating Apparel Breathability

Nike utilizes these climate chambers to assess the impact of various apparel designs and feature placements on garment breathability. This allows for optimized performance and comfort.

Sweating is a key mechanism for body temperature regulation, and the hot chamber is specifically used to analyze sweat responses in diverse consumer groups, considering factors like sex, age, and body size.

Zoned Knit Technology

The Vapor Match Men’s Soccer jersey was presented as an example of targeted design. Changes in the knit structure are strategically placed in areas prone to concentrated perspiration, enhancing ventilation and moisture wicking.

Adapting to Changing Conditions

The Nike NSRL Transform Jacket demonstrates how apparel can adapt to fluctuating thermal demands during outdoor activities. Features like zip-off sleeves, integrated storage pockets, and removable down insulation cater to the transition from initial exertion to a steady state.

Research indicates that the average runner covers approximately 5 kilometers per run, with the most significant shift in insulation requirements occurring within the first 2.5 to 3 kilometers.

Beyond this point, the body typically regulates temperature consistently, regardless of distance.

Advanced Testing with Thermal Mannequins

To further refine designs, Nike employs thermal mannequins capable of simulating human perspiration. This allows for rigorous testing of zoned features without subjecting human participants to physical stress.

Combined with the precise environmental control of the climate chambers and the availability of tireless testing subjects, design teams are equipped with comprehensive data to drive innovation.

• Precise temperature control (-20°C to 50°C+).
• Humidity regulation (10%-90%).
• Adjustable wind speed simulation.
• Replication of solar radiation.

The Recovery Phase

The importance of mental toughness is frequently emphasized in the realm of athletics. Consequently, it is logical that Nike seeks to comprehend the psychological states of its athletes, especially concerning their influence on performance.

The research and recuperation protocols at the Nike Sport Research Lab (NSRL) extend considerably beyond conventional methods like massage and acupuncture, addressing the holistic recovery requirements of athletes.

The topic of mental health among elite athletes has gained prominence in media coverage, exemplified by Naomi Osaka’s decision to abstain from press conferences and Simone Biles’ openness regarding her need to withdraw from the women’s all-around final at the 2020 Summer Olympics.

Prior to my initial measurements, a cognitive evaluation was administered. Following the day’s procedures, we analyzed the results. Remarkably, the assessment’s principles are applicable not only to athletes but also to everyday human conduct.

The team highlighted that uncertainty often surpasses certainty, influencing decision-making processes. Different outcomes can reveal whether an athlete tends to make choices based on avoiding losses or mitigating risks.

These insights can be translated into cognitive guidance, mirroring the form or functional recommendations derived from other tests. Nike’s objective extends beyond enhancing apparel and footwear; they are dedicated to advancing all facets of athletic capability.

For instance, an athlete grappling with a need for control might benefit from shifting focus from the outcome itself to recognizing it as a learning opportunity for future competitions or refinement of technique. Instead of fixating on errors, sports psychologists advocate for utilizing mental imagery and visualizing successful results.

The LeBron James Innovation Center is designed to support athletes’ overall well-being and advancement, alongside accelerating the development of Nike’s apparel and footwear.

With a collaborative approach centered on identifying opportunities for growth rather than simply resolving issues, the potential of this facility and its future contributions is substantial.