Nike to donate 30,000 pairs of shoes to US frontline health workers

Nike is set to donate 30,000 pairs of shoes to the hospitals all across the United States, which are specifically tailored for health workers who are fighting at the frontline of Covid-19.

The Air Zoom Pulse, which was released in November 2019, is the company's "first shoe designed for the healthcare athlete, an everyday hero," Nike said in its announcement on Monday, CNN reported.

The company studied the accounts and challenges the professionals are facing after visiting a children's hospital in Portland. Among many challenges, one was — long hours on their feet and liquid spills — and the comfort needed for long shifts.

Nike partnering with Good360, a 501 charitable organization located in Alexandria, Virginia released a shoe for "everyday heroes" like doctors, nurses and home health.

The shoes are expected to deliver to the workers in Chicago, Los Angeles, Memphis, and New York City, and within the Veterans Health Administration, according to Nike.

The company said health care workers in New York City and Los Angeles will also receive about 95,000 pairs of soccer socks offering mild compression.

"The effort is led by messages of gratitude to healthcare professionals. From one athlete to another, Nike athletes recognize the physical and mental resilience of healthcare athletes," Nike said in a press release.

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio tweeted his appreciation for the sportswear company.
"Thank you so much for supporting our front line health care heroes," he wrote on Monday.

Hospitals across Europe — including Barcelona, Berlin, London, Milan, Paris and Belgium — will receive an additional 2,500 pairs, Nike said.

Nike's donation comes as healthcare workers continue to help battle the coronavirus pandemic, often putting themselves at risk. Many are helping patients without adequate supplies and equipment.

Nike said some of its teams came together to help create and donate full-face shields and powered, air-purifying respirator (PAPR) lenses to help protect healthcare workers.

To date, Nike and the Nike Foundation have committed more than $25 million to Covid-19 relief efforts, according to the company.