Four years ago, Nike’s Innovation Kitchen was given a new mission: Develop a 21st century boot to meet the needs of this century’s first-response teams and high-speed operators – aka elite level athletes in need of elite level performance innovation. 'Throughout the evolution of this product, it also became very clear that America’s elite military operators and first responders share similarities with the world’s top tier athletes.' – Tobie Hatfield, Nike Innovation Manager
The SFB represents Nike’s continued pursuit of delivering the most technically innovative and lightweight product to meet the needs of athletes the world over. The SFB was developed over the course of four years by a team of innovators led by Nike Innovation Manager Tobie Hatfield, while paying homage to the service and inspiration of Nike’s first designer and Co-Founder, Major Bill Bowerman. Before Bill Bowerman became the fabled University of Oregon Track & Field Coach, he served as a founding member of the 10th Mountain Division of the United States Army. Utilizing the lessons learned both from his service and his years coaching, Bowerman’s footwear design legacy would serve as a guide for Tobie and his team, a premium was placed on creating shoes that were lighter, making use of the foot’s natural motion, while decreasing the addition of heavy overbuilding which traditionally yields boots that are stiffer, hotter, heavier and less breathable. From day one, Bowerman knew there was 'might in light'. The SFB is undeniable evidence.
The SFB breaks new ground in lightweight athletic boot delivering innovation for athletes in any environment. The SFB, perfect for warm weather conditions, is the lightest, fastest drying, natural motion boot on the planet. It features a Natural Motion Cushioning unit that helps allows for optimal support and speed during heel to toe transfer, translated the boot is made to move and form with the foot’s natural motion allowing for quick flexible movement in any direction while drastically reducing the weight of conventional boots. Making it the perfect companion during multi-day backpacking hikes which can be cut short if your boots don’t work with your foot.
Offering unparalleled traction, the SFB’s outsole is fitted with a directional traction heel sole that utilizes reverse tread bars and a slightly raised heel for better traction going downhill, while the Sticky Rubber forefoot lugs were strategically placed to allow exceptional agility and traction in any terrain. Upping the ante on protection, the SFB’s mid-sole comes equipped with puncture and laceration resistant thermoplastic forefoot shield and genuine leather with Kevlar sheath, both placed in the sole of the SFB allowing the boot to form to the foot of its wearer while offering protection from jagged rocky terrain.
Highly protective while light and flexible, the SFB’s upper is comprised of a polyester woven shell wrapped in synthetic leather overlays which offers no 'break-in' time associated with most other boots and drastically increased the quick drying properties via the polyester/synthetic leather blend. The no 'break-in' properties alone make the SFB a natural choice for serious outdoors athletes and weekend warriors alike. Tying it all together, a Speed Lacing System made of 550 cord run through metal speed-lacing eyelets keep the foot securely locked down to the Natural Motion Cushioning unit while also making the SFB easy to get in or out of. Simply put, this boot was built for comfort, speed, agility, and it was built to last.
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