When Nike released a trainer specifically designed for healthcare workers last November, the brand had no idea it would soon be donating 30,000 pairs of the shoes to help support the fight against a global pandemic. Now the sports giant is partnering with nonprofit Good360 in the US and throughout Europe to donate more than 140,000 pieces of footwear, apparel and equipment globally.

The 30,000 pairs of Nike Air Zoom Pulse will go to health systems and hospitals in Chicago, Los Angeles, Memphis and New York City, and within the Veterans Health Administration. Another 2,500 pairs are being donated to hospitals across Europe, including Barcelona, Berlin, London, Milan, Paris and Belgium.

Donations in the US — which will also include 95,000 pairs of soccer socks that offer mild compression for healthcare workers in Los Angeles and New York — will be administered by Good360, which specialises in efficient distribution of product donations. Nike said 2,600 pairs of Converse, which Nike owns, have already been donated in the Boston area, with some going to hospital environmental services and food service workers. Across Europe, the brand said it has donated nearly 4,000 pairs of shoes and more than 3,500 pieces of sweat-wicking apparel to more than a dozen hospitals and shelters.

Source: Sports Textiles