Motiva

The Nike Motiva’s history began with the observation that women using the Nike Run Club app displayed an erratic pace, alternating between walking, jogging, running, and stopping while maintaining a 13-minute mile average. Attributing this inconsistency to fatigue causing discomfort and frustration, the Nike team aimed to design a solution. Their objective was to create a shoe that not only enhanced exercise but also inspired motivation – leading to the birth of the Nike Motiva.

Introduced as a fresh addition to the Nike running collection, the Motiva was engineered to optimize movement. It facilitated comfortable forward propulsion, accommodating various activities such as walking, jogging, and running. Whether the goal was marathon distances, speed sessions, or daily runs, the Motiva sought to make each experience enjoyable and motivating.

A pivotal aspect of the shoe’s design was its revolutionary rocker geometry. Analysis showed that individuals moving at a slower pace tend to strike with their heels first. To address this, the Motiva’s sole featured an exaggerated rocker shape, facilitating a seamless transition from heel impact to the next step’s push-off, resulting in a smoother stride.

Emphasizing comfort, the Motiva incorporated a midsole with strategically positioned full-length Cushlon 3.0 foam to absorb impact and enhance movement. ComfortGroove bumps on the outsole provided targeted compression, further enhancing underfoot comfort and reducing fatigue.

User convenience was paramount; a soft foam waterfall collar provided ankle and heel comfort, while the internal half-bootie design simplified putting on and taking off the shoe.

In response to tester feedback, Nike redesigned the shoe’s fit based on data-driven insights, resulting in a new last with a wider forefoot, arch, and toe box. This catered to various foot shapes and sizes, accommodating those seeking a more comfortable fit.

In summary, the history of the Nike Motiva tackled workout pacing challenges. Through advancements in geometry, cushioning, and fit, the shoe aimed to elevate the exercise experience and inspire individuals to embrace movement in their fitness journeys.