Nike's Mind 001 Mule Appears in "Black" Makeover

Whether or not you believe in its concept, the neuroscience-backed Nike Mind 001 is here to stay (at least for the moment).

Having debuted earlier in October as part of the Nike, Inc. Sport Offense innovation effort, the mule aims to help athletes of all levels and disciplines refocus pre-and-post-competition. The mind-body connection is tapped into by way of 22 individual foam nodes on each shoe (left and right), which activates sensory receptors in the feet. This interaction reawakens the brain, making wearers conscious of the moment, their surroundings, and the task at hand.

Already seen in vibrant "Solar Red" and muted "Light Smoke Grey," the Mind 001 appeared most recently in a "Black/Hyper Crimson/Chrome" medley.

Enjoy official photos of the style in Men's sizing; Women's sizing will also be available via Nike.com when the shoe begins to roll out in January 2026.

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"Nike Mind is a new sensory-footwear concept that helps reawaken the foot, the body and the mind," says Eric Avar, Vice President, Creative Director, Innovation. "It represents a new paradigm of performance and how we can potentially make athletes better in the future."

Erling Haaland, a world-renowned striker for the Norway National Football Team and England's Manchester City, was one of hundreds of athletes tasked with testing Nike Mind footwear over the last five years.

The all-new series kicks off with the Nike Mind 001 and Nike Mind 002, a slip-on mule and more conventional sneaker, respectively. Both designs feature 22 independent foam nodes per shoe (left and right), activating sensory receptors in the feet. Nodes are bonded to a flexible, water-resistant material that allows them to adapt to wearers' movement, acting as pistons and gimbals to deliver ground-feel. This interaction is at the center of all Mind footwear as it heightens sensory awareness, centering concentration and helping clear distractions.

Each detail found on the Mind 001 and Mind 002 has been carefully considered as to not nullify the complex technology engineered and implemented across the sole unit. The result is a footwear proposal that delivers a premium experience that connects mind, body, and environment.

The inaugural Nike Mind collection arrives in Men's and Women's sizing throughout January 2026. "Light Smoke Grey" and "Solar Red" color schemes kick things off. Pairs will be available via Nike.com and select shops for either $85 (Mind 001) or $140 (Mind 002).

To learn more about the project, head over to Nike.com/Mind.

For more footwear news from the Swoosh, check out the ultra-cushioned Vomero Premium running shoe.