Poke John I
01-02-2008, 03:34 PM
Apparently, Native Americans have a wider and a taller foot than average. I read somewhere that Native American women's feet average one inch wider than normal and men average one-half inch wider. Most Native Americans are thankful for this product but many think they are being exploited. See the reader's comments. What do you think? Below is an article with additional information.
Nike fits new shoe to American Indian community
National campaign kicks off for company's Air Native N7
The Beaverton Valley Times, Sep 25, 2007, Updated Sep 26, 2007 (15 Reader comments)
Nike Inc. has unveiled the Nike Air Native N7, an athletic performance shoe designed specifically for American Indians.
The Nike Air Native N7 is the result of nearly two years of collaborative research, development and fit testing in partnership with the American Indian community. The first-of-a-kind performance shoe was created to address the specific fit and width requirements for the Native American foot.
The Nike Air Native N7 shoe is another part of the Washington County company’s commitment to American Indian communities. Profits from the shoe’s sale will support the “Let Me Play” sports programs on American Indian land.
“Nike is aware of the growing health issues facing Native Americans,” said Sam McCracken, Manager of Nike’s Native American Business program. “Through the Nike Air Native N7 we are stepping up our commitment to use our voice on a local, regional and national level to elevate the issue of Native American health and wellness. We believe physical activity can and should be a fundamental part of the health and wellness of all Native Americans.”
The Nike Air Native N7 project has been a collaboration with the American Indian community and key stakeholders engaged in the health and wellness issues surrounding American Indian populations. The process also included more than 70 tribes and consulting podiatrists and members of Indian Health Services and the National Indian Health Board.
Reader comments:
Re: Nike fits new shoe to American Indian community
I don't want to sound stupid or insensitive, but are there different requirements for native american feet? I totally understand creating a shoe that will profit native american causes, but the quote that says (with a typo by the way) "The irst-of-a-kind performance shoe was created to address the specific fit and width requirements for the Native American foot." - I am curious!
"greshamguy"
(Not verified)
Wed, Sep 26, 2007 at 08:31 AM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Editorial response:
Gresham guy: Interesting question. We'll ask Nike and see what they say. Also, we'll fix the typo.
Thanks.
Kevin Harden
Re: Nike fits new shoe to American Indian community
Great news for the Native Americans!!! I was just wondering where I could purchase a pair or two.
Thank you, Blj
"Bonnie Johnston"
(Not verified)
Wed, Sep 26, 2007 at 08:51 AM
my feet hurt
i, as a native american, do have a wide foot that has trouble fitting shoes. i was wondering if there was some way to get a pair of these because i, just happen to not live on a reservation. Thanks.
"Dayne White Bull"
(Not verified)
Wed, Sep 26, 2007 at 09:08 AM
Re: Nike fits new shoe to American Indian community
I am a Cherokee. My feet have always hurt from the shoes that we have to buy.
I only buy shoes from WalMart that are canvas because they will tear out along where my feet hurt and then my feet quit hurting.
These shoes may be what I have been hunting for, for a long long time.
"Robert Cowger"
(Not verified)
Wed, Sep 26, 2007 at 09:50 AM
Re: Nike fits new shoe to American Indian community
I am a proud native american and this is just another example of the stupidity we have to face everyday. I have never had a problem finding shoes. I have flat feet and wide feet. you just have to look, which in the future does not include nike. Isnt it sad enough that we're already being explioted by casinos and other various moneymakers, but now the shoe industry has to get their foot in it too.
"Rebecca Dunn-Bravo"
(Not verified)
Wed, Sep 26, 2007 at 10:41 AM
Re: Nike fits new shoe to American Indian community
Oh my...
I wonder when they will come up with a Hispanic-American shoe. An Islamic-American shoe? Or a White-Trailer-Park obesity shoe? I think that "N7s" are going to make a lot of people happy and alot of people downright insulted. I am glad to hear that Nike is taking such an interest in the physical fitness and "the growing health issues facing Native Americans," but it seems to me that there are obesity issues with a heck of a lot more cultures than just Native Americans, so is Nike going to make a segregated shoe for each Ethnicity????
Very very interesting.
"Amanda"
(Not verified)
Wed, Sep 26, 2007 at 11:52 AM
Re: Nike fits new shoe to American Indian community
Where can I get the White Trailer Park shoes? HAHahaha!
""
(Not verified)
Wed, Sep 26, 2007 at 12:08 PM
Re: Nike fits new shoe to American Indian community
very interesting...i as a Native Canadian...do have extra wide feet being a woman and I have always had a hard time finding shoes that fit...now the only thing is going to be..are they going to be affordable to all the so called low income earners?
Rhonda tha bear
"Rhonda C."
(Not verified)
Wed, Sep 26, 2007 at 12:14 PM
Re: Nike fits new shoe to American Indian community
People (family and friends) have always made fun of my feet. Short, wide and with high insteps. Tiny toes too. It is darned hard to find a pair of shoes that fit even close. I would love sandals but will never find any.
My 'Native American' great great grandmother was a long time ago and we have no real ties to that community. Like others have said "Where do we find these shoes?" It is unfair to only have them for Reservations. Please reconsider?
"anne"
(Not verified)
Wed, Sep 26, 2007 at 12:57 PM
Re: Nike fits new shoe to American Indian community
I sure hope I'll be able to afford a pair with my percap check.
""
(Not verified)
Wed, Sep 26, 2007 at 01:17 PM
Re: Nike fits new shoe to American Indian community
Yeah, but they will probably cut out some of the commods if you get a pair.
""
(Not verified)
Wed, Sep 26, 2007 at 01:19 PM
Re: Nike fits new shoe to American Indian community
My Native American friends and I would be very interested in purchasing the N7s as this relates to our seven generations mission statements.
WHERE DO YOU BUY THESE SHOES?????
"Desperately Seeking Air Natives N7"
(Not verified)
Wed, Sep 26, 2007 at 01:24 PM
Re: Nike fits new shoe to American Indian community
Do you need a tribal ID to purchase Air Native N7's; I really hate to send my tribal ID # over the internet.I am not sure it is legal to do anyway.
""
(Not verified)
Wed, Sep 26, 2007 at 01:29 PM
Re: Nike fits new shoe to American Indian community
I'm glad "the man" is finally doing more for us than giving us blankets infested with disease. Imagine that... a mere 2% of total U.S. population and we get our own shoes, whoo-hooo, where do I sign up?
"the boxer"
(Not verified)
Wed, Sep 26, 2007 at 01:43 PM
Re: Nike fits new shoe to American Indian community
I find it really interesting that someone could actually think that Nike is trying to exploit Native Americans! To "Rebecca Dunn-Bravo" you need to do a little more research. Nike is not doing this to make a profit. I don't work for Nike, but I know people who do, this is simply about trying to address the needs that are so obviously out there. Nike makes shoes, so their going to do what they do best. They're going to make a rock'n shoe! I know it's easy to fear corp America, but this is legitimate.
I also find what "Amanda" had to say very disturbing. Why do you have to turn something that is good into a politically correct issue? The guy that is making this happen is a Native American who cares about Native Americans. He works at Nike and is making a big difference! Let's not turn this into something it isn't.
I'm proud of Nike and what they're doing! I'm going to start working with my company and see if we can do more to give back instead of complaining about nonsense. Way to go Nike!
"Mike"
(Not verified)
Wed, Sep 26, 2007 at 04:33 PM
Re: Nike fits new shoe to American Indian community
Hey _ I just read some 140 tribes will get discounts at $43 a pair.....it's about time Nike. Thanks for remembering the Native American populations. Many blessings to all involved with this idea at Nike.
"Puyallup Tribal Member/Washington state"
(Not verified)
Nike fits new shoe to American Indian community
National campaign kicks off for company's Air Native N7
The Beaverton Valley Times, Sep 25, 2007, Updated Sep 26, 2007 (15 Reader comments)
Nike Inc. has unveiled the Nike Air Native N7, an athletic performance shoe designed specifically for American Indians.
The Nike Air Native N7 is the result of nearly two years of collaborative research, development and fit testing in partnership with the American Indian community. The first-of-a-kind performance shoe was created to address the specific fit and width requirements for the Native American foot.
The Nike Air Native N7 shoe is another part of the Washington County company’s commitment to American Indian communities. Profits from the shoe’s sale will support the “Let Me Play” sports programs on American Indian land.
“Nike is aware of the growing health issues facing Native Americans,” said Sam McCracken, Manager of Nike’s Native American Business program. “Through the Nike Air Native N7 we are stepping up our commitment to use our voice on a local, regional and national level to elevate the issue of Native American health and wellness. We believe physical activity can and should be a fundamental part of the health and wellness of all Native Americans.”
The Nike Air Native N7 project has been a collaboration with the American Indian community and key stakeholders engaged in the health and wellness issues surrounding American Indian populations. The process also included more than 70 tribes and consulting podiatrists and members of Indian Health Services and the National Indian Health Board.
Reader comments:
Re: Nike fits new shoe to American Indian community
I don't want to sound stupid or insensitive, but are there different requirements for native american feet? I totally understand creating a shoe that will profit native american causes, but the quote that says (with a typo by the way) "The irst-of-a-kind performance shoe was created to address the specific fit and width requirements for the Native American foot." - I am curious!
"greshamguy"
(Not verified)
Wed, Sep 26, 2007 at 08:31 AM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Editorial response:
Gresham guy: Interesting question. We'll ask Nike and see what they say. Also, we'll fix the typo.
Thanks.
Kevin Harden
Re: Nike fits new shoe to American Indian community
Great news for the Native Americans!!! I was just wondering where I could purchase a pair or two.
Thank you, Blj
"Bonnie Johnston"
(Not verified)
Wed, Sep 26, 2007 at 08:51 AM
my feet hurt
i, as a native american, do have a wide foot that has trouble fitting shoes. i was wondering if there was some way to get a pair of these because i, just happen to not live on a reservation. Thanks.
"Dayne White Bull"
(Not verified)
Wed, Sep 26, 2007 at 09:08 AM
Re: Nike fits new shoe to American Indian community
I am a Cherokee. My feet have always hurt from the shoes that we have to buy.
I only buy shoes from WalMart that are canvas because they will tear out along where my feet hurt and then my feet quit hurting.
These shoes may be what I have been hunting for, for a long long time.
"Robert Cowger"
(Not verified)
Wed, Sep 26, 2007 at 09:50 AM
Re: Nike fits new shoe to American Indian community
I am a proud native american and this is just another example of the stupidity we have to face everyday. I have never had a problem finding shoes. I have flat feet and wide feet. you just have to look, which in the future does not include nike. Isnt it sad enough that we're already being explioted by casinos and other various moneymakers, but now the shoe industry has to get their foot in it too.
"Rebecca Dunn-Bravo"
(Not verified)
Wed, Sep 26, 2007 at 10:41 AM
Re: Nike fits new shoe to American Indian community
Oh my...
I wonder when they will come up with a Hispanic-American shoe. An Islamic-American shoe? Or a White-Trailer-Park obesity shoe? I think that "N7s" are going to make a lot of people happy and alot of people downright insulted. I am glad to hear that Nike is taking such an interest in the physical fitness and "the growing health issues facing Native Americans," but it seems to me that there are obesity issues with a heck of a lot more cultures than just Native Americans, so is Nike going to make a segregated shoe for each Ethnicity????
Very very interesting.
"Amanda"
(Not verified)
Wed, Sep 26, 2007 at 11:52 AM
Re: Nike fits new shoe to American Indian community
Where can I get the White Trailer Park shoes? HAHahaha!
""
(Not verified)
Wed, Sep 26, 2007 at 12:08 PM
Re: Nike fits new shoe to American Indian community
very interesting...i as a Native Canadian...do have extra wide feet being a woman and I have always had a hard time finding shoes that fit...now the only thing is going to be..are they going to be affordable to all the so called low income earners?
Rhonda tha bear
"Rhonda C."
(Not verified)
Wed, Sep 26, 2007 at 12:14 PM
Re: Nike fits new shoe to American Indian community
People (family and friends) have always made fun of my feet. Short, wide and with high insteps. Tiny toes too. It is darned hard to find a pair of shoes that fit even close. I would love sandals but will never find any.
My 'Native American' great great grandmother was a long time ago and we have no real ties to that community. Like others have said "Where do we find these shoes?" It is unfair to only have them for Reservations. Please reconsider?
"anne"
(Not verified)
Wed, Sep 26, 2007 at 12:57 PM
Re: Nike fits new shoe to American Indian community
I sure hope I'll be able to afford a pair with my percap check.
""
(Not verified)
Wed, Sep 26, 2007 at 01:17 PM
Re: Nike fits new shoe to American Indian community
Yeah, but they will probably cut out some of the commods if you get a pair.
""
(Not verified)
Wed, Sep 26, 2007 at 01:19 PM
Re: Nike fits new shoe to American Indian community
My Native American friends and I would be very interested in purchasing the N7s as this relates to our seven generations mission statements.
WHERE DO YOU BUY THESE SHOES?????
"Desperately Seeking Air Natives N7"
(Not verified)
Wed, Sep 26, 2007 at 01:24 PM
Re: Nike fits new shoe to American Indian community
Do you need a tribal ID to purchase Air Native N7's; I really hate to send my tribal ID # over the internet.I am not sure it is legal to do anyway.
""
(Not verified)
Wed, Sep 26, 2007 at 01:29 PM
Re: Nike fits new shoe to American Indian community
I'm glad "the man" is finally doing more for us than giving us blankets infested with disease. Imagine that... a mere 2% of total U.S. population and we get our own shoes, whoo-hooo, where do I sign up?
"the boxer"
(Not verified)
Wed, Sep 26, 2007 at 01:43 PM
Re: Nike fits new shoe to American Indian community
I find it really interesting that someone could actually think that Nike is trying to exploit Native Americans! To "Rebecca Dunn-Bravo" you need to do a little more research. Nike is not doing this to make a profit. I don't work for Nike, but I know people who do, this is simply about trying to address the needs that are so obviously out there. Nike makes shoes, so their going to do what they do best. They're going to make a rock'n shoe! I know it's easy to fear corp America, but this is legitimate.
I also find what "Amanda" had to say very disturbing. Why do you have to turn something that is good into a politically correct issue? The guy that is making this happen is a Native American who cares about Native Americans. He works at Nike and is making a big difference! Let's not turn this into something it isn't.
I'm proud of Nike and what they're doing! I'm going to start working with my company and see if we can do more to give back instead of complaining about nonsense. Way to go Nike!
"Mike"
(Not verified)
Wed, Sep 26, 2007 at 04:33 PM
Re: Nike fits new shoe to American Indian community
Hey _ I just read some 140 tribes will get discounts at $43 a pair.....it's about time Nike. Thanks for remembering the Native American populations. Many blessings to all involved with this idea at Nike.
"Puyallup Tribal Member/Washington state"
(Not verified)