What's New at Nike for 2002 -- Kids Play

I recently sat down with my good friends at Nike to find out what their always ingenious product development team's been cooking up for 2002...well they've turned their focus to our youth. One Nike Rep says, "Kids of all ages and abilities need to get back to playing -- enjoying the sheer fun of sport and play". I certainly agree--some of these kids’ sports teams have really gotten serious (and not just the kids)! So, in that spirit Nike will introduce the following new products for our kids beginning Feb. 2002....take a look at some of the products below and be sure to tune in to NBC "Today in NY" Dec. 11th where I'll present and demo these new products first hand. Kids are Gearing up to Play Ball with Nike's 'Kaos'
Perfect for Little Leaguers who love to play America's favorite pastime, the Nike Kaos was designed to fit kids' smaller hands and to provide extra comfort and flexibility for easier ball control.

Design Features/Performance Benefits

• Diamond-ready soft and supple leather palm eliminates break-in time.
• Enhanced closure system for easier ball control.
• Energy arrest padding provides comfort and palm protection.
• Easy-Flex webbing for added flexibility.
• Thumb loop for better hand-glove contact.
• Brushed nylon lining provides comfort and sweat management.

Price: The suggested retail price for the Nike Kaos is $35.



Soccer Skills Get a Kick Start with the New Nike 'Geo'
Young players can now learn the fundamentals of soccer with the new Nike Geo soccer ball. This lightweight ball allows kids to hone their kicking and dribbling skills with a ball that is correctly proportional to their size and ability level.

Design Features/Performance Benefits

• Lighter weight makes it easier for kids to maneuver and handle the ball.
• Designers worked with children and coaches to develop and test the Nike Geo.
• Patented Nike Geo Balanced Technology provides precise roundness for superior flight and play.

Price: The suggested retail price for the Nike Geo is $20.



Nike 'Dynamo' Sprouts With Your Children
The new Dynamo shoe was created for lively and highly energetic toddlers. Perfect for youngsters always on the go, this lightweight shoe was designed to grow with the toddlers' feet while providing deep cushioning and stability necessary for active young walkers.

Design Features/Performance Benefits

• Rubber pull tab for easy pull on/pull off eliminates untied shoelaces.
• Seamless interior makes for a smooth, comfortable fit.
• Soft two-color textile provides feet with comfort and room to grow.
• Stretch rubber overlays provide structure without impeding flexibility.
• Synthetic tip overlay at the front of the shoe increases durability.
• Lightweight midsole flexes to accommodate the growth of the foot.
• The heel kick and toe spring work in tandem for fluid heel-to-toe motion.
• Minimal non-marking rubber pads allow for a lightweight and flexible gait while providing optimal traction-and no scuff marks on the kitchen floor!

Price: The suggested retail price for the Nike Dynamo is $50-Grade School, $48-Pre School, $36-Toddler.

Materials and Colors
The Nike Dynamo will be available in the following colorways:

• Ice Blue/Lime Chill - Chambray – White
• Obsidian/Shock Orange - Dk Royal Blue – White
• Sport Red/Sport Red - Safety Orange – White

Nike's Up 'N Go For Toddlers...Makes Crawling a Thing of the Past
For children gearing up to take their first steps, Nike has created the Up 'N Go sneaker for toddlers. This shoe features new footwear innovations and will help in the development of toddlers' walking strides.

Design Features/Performance Benefits

• Elastic wraps around the heel to help secure the foot.
• Adjustable straps to provide an easy on/easy off alternative to laces and velcro.
• Wide throat opening makes for an easier fit.
• Open mesh tongue aids in breathe ability.
• Low-profile traction outsole provides stability with rounded heel and edges.
• Extra cushioning at the points where toddlers exert the most pressure.
• Flex grooves found on the exterior and interior of the cupsole encourage flexibility for the forefoot.
• Clean toe pattern allows toddlers to walk in a natural gait, without restriction, and prevents tripping.

Price: The suggested retail price for the Up 'N Go is $36.

Materials and Colors
The Up 'N Go will be available in the following colorways:

• White/White
• Blue chambray/Lime Chill - Med. Denim – White
• Obsidian/Shock Orange - Dk Royal Blue
• Sport Red/Shock Orange – Black

Nike Sport Wave -- Because Time Flies When You're Having Fun
For the young athlete, Nike has fused sturdy and functional with cool and sporty in their latest Sport Wave Time Wear watch. This vibrantly-colored watch provides an easy way for kids to read time and is durable enough to endure even the most vigorous playground activities.

Design Features/Performance Benefits

• Sturdy polyurethane strap resists cracking and breaking.
• Analog display provides an easy way to tell time.
• Plastic resin case is lightweight and durable.
• Stainless steel buckle and backplate add to the Sport Wave's resilience.
• N.C.A.S.E - Nike Cartridge Attachment System Engineering is pinless to reduce the likelihood of breakage.
• Water-resistant up to a depth of 30 meters.

Price: The suggested retail price for the Sport Wave is $29.

Materials and Colors
The Sport Wave will be available in a variety of colorways.

Availability
All products will be available in NIKETOWNS nationwide and retail outlets across the U.S. in February 2002 or at www.niketown.com.

Stephanie Oakes is a fitness correspondent for Discovery Health Channel, a contributing editor for USA Weekend Magazine and the LA Times, and appears on NBC's 'Today in New York'. She can be reached at soakes@beststuff.com.