AUSTRALIA: Nike Footwear Goes For Olympic Gold

World champion sprinter Michael Johnson and Nike will be going for gold - literally - at Sydney 2000 with a new pair of gold shoes. Their metallic flash comes in the form of 24-karat gold with micro-prisms for strength and reflectivity, plus all the benefits of Nike design, development, and innovation employed in the four years since Atlanta.The new MJ Sydney Gold Shoe typifies the integrated way Nike teams up with its athletes to find the performance edge. Researcher Gordon Valiant, a biomechanics Ph.D in the Nike Sports Research Lab (part of Nike Advanced Footwear Research & Design), tested the athlete for impact forces, pressures and traction using state-of-the-science technology.Using the knowledge of those forces, designer Kevin Hoffer anddeveloper Tobie Hatfield worked with Michael to determineand develop the most appropriate and advanced features for his shoethat would maximize his physical strengths and personal style.Nike's Materials and & Mechanics Lab (also part of Nike's Advanced R&D)tested and re-tested a variety of materials in the making of thishigh-performance shoe. One of those materials is the 3MScotchlite Reflective material developed for the upper using 24-karatgold.The result features an aerodynamic lace faring to reduce wind drag; minimal piece design for a glove-like fit; and 24 karat gold surrounded by micro-prisms for strength and ultimate reflectivity. The outsole incorporates a lightweight and hi-tech plate with a curve-running design; permanent and lightweight ceramic/aluminum spikes; and cushioning Phylon midsole/outsole. The total shoe weight is 116 grams.