Nike unveiled yesterday a new line of footwear, called
Nike Shock, that it "claims will invigorate the tired shoe
industry," according to Jennifer Waters of CBS MarketWatch.
Nike U.S. Footwear Division VP & GM Craig Zanon: "This is
one of the best product offerings that we've done in a long,
long time, perhaps ever." Zanon said that the Shock line
"will rival the popular Nike Air line in its innovation and
technological advancements." Zanon said the shoe, which is
expected to retail for about $150, "enhances performance"
and is visually "compelling." Described as a "technology
platform," Zanon said that the line "will be developed
slowly with new products and styles," which Waters writes is
a "clear effort to duplicate the overwhelming success of the
Nike Air line." Waters adds that the Shock line "reflects
the major push" that Nike CEO Phil Knight "is exerting
behind Nike shoes this year" (CBS MarketWatch, 6/30).
CNBC's Martha MacCallum said Nike thinks the Shock line "is
going to be truly innovative and that will really kick in to
next spring's futures orders and they are putting a lot of
emphasis on that" (CNBC, 6/29).
