From Ugly To Awesome: Nike’s ‘Pandemic Proof’ Sneaker Is A Touch Of Genius
Look ma, no hands!
The 2021 Nike GO FlyEase.
Shakespeare once wrote that “uneasy is the head that wears a crown” – an adage that’s particularly true when it comes to business. As the world’s largest athletic brand, Nike is in an enviable position, but they’re constantly forced to innovate in order to stay ahead of the competition and keep that top spot.
Some of their ‘innovations’ have been more considered than others. Their 2001 Air Jordan 16s (a bizarre combination of old-fashioned spats and a basketball shoe) or their 2019 Air Max 1 QS ‘Fourth of July’ (which were pulled from shelves after critics suggested the flag graphic that adorned their heels was a white supremacist symbol) are notable missteps. All things said and done, they’ve got more Ws than Ls on their balance sheet, however.