Ex-Nike Shoe Designer: The Battle Between Foot Health & Profits And The REAL Story Behind The World’s Best Selling Running Shoe w/ Aaron Cooper
Season #3
In this episode, Nick interviews Aaron Cooper, a veteran footwear designer at Nike. Aaron shares his journey into the shoe business and his work at Nike, including designing for Nike basketball and bringing on LeBron James. They discuss the evolution of Nike Free and the importance of foot performance. Aaron emphasizes the need for a better understanding of foot health and movement, as well as the challenges in designing footwear that respects the natural shape of the human foot. In this conversation, Aaron and Nick discuss the need for innovation in footwear design and the resistance to change in the industry. They highlight the importance of fit and feel in athletic footwear and the demand for natural footwear that enhances foot function. They also explore the business decision-making process behind footwear innovation and the role of education in shifting consumer demand. Aaron shares his projects in creating foot-centric products and the potential of insoles as a Trojan horse for raising awareness. They conclude with their excitement for the future of foot health and footwear.
