There's a real science to Nike's footwear offerings — in a literal sense. Nike's Mind 002 sneaker is a functional fusion of an orthopedic dad shoe and an official neuroscience experiment, an unlikely pairing but a welcome one from the sports science enthusiast out there.

Looking at Nike’s Mind 002 straight on, it gives standard ol' dad shoe. The perforated upper, simple gray colorway, and cushioned tongue scream geriatric comfort.

However, the Mind 002's real genius unfolds beneath through plush, responsive foam cushions, designed by Nike's Mind Science Department. 

These 22 little nodes in the Mind 002’s sole unit were devised to press against the foot and activate different sensory areas of the brain, reportedly improving the mind-to-body connection on a scientific level.

Talk about mind-bending footwear. Comfort for your foot? Standard. But for your brain? Next level.

Beyond the functional purpose of the Mind 002's nodes, these experimental spherical notches also give the otherwise basic sneaker an innovative edge. This techy energy is heightened by the molded foam midsole and rubber toe pods at the front of the sneaker.

Soon available on the Nike website for $145, the Mind 002 joins a small but growing lineup of cognitively poised footwear from the Swoosh, including the Cyber Truck-esque Nike Mind 001, which has the same mind-massaging tech.

On a cerebral and stylistic level, Nike is living in the future.

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