Nike highlights the power of choice in their 9box framework, with an Icon, a Plus and a Premium version of three shoe franchises: Pegasus, Vomero and Structure.
Over two immersive days, Nike hosted Power of Choice at Deja View in Mount Martha, Victoria. Runner’s World Australia and New Zealand joined a select group of media to experience first-hand how Nike’s cutting-edge running philosophy comes to life.
The event began with a welcome lunch overlooking the coastline, before guests tuned into a virtual panel of Nike global experts Deepa Ramprasad (Senior Director, Nike Running Footwear), Ashley Campbell (Expert Product Line Manager, Running Footwear) and Elliot Heath (Global Running Footwear Product Manager). Together, they unpacked Nike’s 9Box framework, highlighting the three key franchises: Vomero, Pegasus and Structure, which make up the shoe rotation’s golden trio.
Nike has always been about more than just shoes, it’s about the athlete. “When Nike’s at its best, it’s really simple. We really ground ourselves in two things: listening to the voice of the athlete and innovating always.” Deepa said. She continued, “Our ability to innovate both in the systems and the experiences we provide, but how we make runners feel, and how we evolve with the sport as it grows and expands… that’s ultimately an experience that’s uniquely Nike.”
“It’s all about choice,” Michael Osten, Nike EKIN said. “We see so many new runners in the marketplace at the moment who are getting used to running, trying to find their fitness, trying to find that muscle resiliency. Making sure we give the right level of cushioning and options for cushioning, no matter which part of the running journey they are on, is so important.”
Guests then laced up and took the innovation to the roads on a group run led by four-time Olympian and Nike Run Coach, Jeff Riseley. He shared his own experience with Nike’s Vomero line, calling it a game changer. “I’ve loved just the balance of cushion in the Vomero 18, and then recently got the Vomero Plus which is just a little bit lighter, a bit more cushiony. It just feels like a little bit more of a fun shoe.”
Afterwards, a guided recovery session using Hyperice equipment helped reset tired legs, before the evening closed with a private-chef dinner.
Day two began with the sunrise, and a windy, coastal run followed by breakfast and one-on-one interviews with both Michael Osten and Jeff Riseley.
Riseley emphasised how much innovation in footwear has changed the sport in recent years. “The level of performance has just gone crazy and I think it’s shoes. I’m coaching junior athletes who are doing more than what I was doing as a professional athlete, because of their ability to recover with all the foams and the carbon plates. We’re just seeing less injuries and kids able to get through a lot more running.”
For Osten, the future remains rooted in Nike’s heritage. “Running is our heritage. Running is where we come from as a brand and having this 9Box construct is really clear how we want to serve runners through these three different cushioning sensations,” he said. “At Nike it’s all about innovation for us, and it’s all about finding new ways to serve runners, bringing better innovation, allowing them to feel more in tune with their running.”
When asked which shoe he’d recommend as an entry point for runners new to Nike, Michael said, “You have to go for what’s comfortable for the runner. Choice is really important, but personal choice is even more important. The shoes should inherently just feel really comfortable for the runner. It’s not what the shop assistant finds comfortable, it’s really what you find comfortable as a runner that is going to give you the best outcome.”
Nike’s Power of Choice event showcased not only the science and technology behind Nike Running, but also the fun and accessibility of the sport. As Riseley put it, sometimes it’s as simple as having the right shoe to help you get out the door after a long day: “You can get out the door and it just feels good.”
What are the three pillars of the 9box framework?
Pegasus – Responsive Cushioning
“The Pegasus 41 is our longest-standing icon. It gives a bit of extra bounce and propulsion.” Elliott Heath
Pegasus 41
Pegasus Plus
Pegasus Premium
Structure – Stable Cushioning
“Support that doesn’t sacrifice comfort and fun.” Ashley Campbell
Structure 26
Vomero – Max Cushioning
“Max cushioning makes running easier for all different types of athletes. It gives a weightless, bounding sensation with tons of energy return.” Ashley Campbell
Vomero 18
Vomero Plus
Read our review of the Vomero franchise here.
