Nike has created a new shoe - the Nike Air Native N7 - designed specifically for Native Americans.

Nike researchers studied the feet of more than 200 people from 70 tribes nationwide and determined that Native Americans have a much wider and taller foot than the average American. The newly designed shoe features a wider, larger toe box, fewer seams and a thicker sock liner for comfort.

The Cherokee Nation, partnering with Nike, is offering the shoe at a special price of $58.30, tax included, to Cherokee citizens and Native Americans of other tribes.  Since the Air Native N7 is only available through tribal programs, Cherokee Nation Entertainment, in conjunction with Cherokee Nation’s Health Services Group, will take orders for the custom shoes in the lobby area between the Restaurant of the Cherokees and the Cherokee Nation Gift Shop - Tahlequah on February 12 and 13, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
 “We are dedicated to helping Cherokees become a healthy people,” said David Stewart, CEO of Cherokee Nation Entertainment, which operates Cherokee Nation Gift Shops.  “Through our partnership with Nike in this special program, we are able to encourage walking, physical exercise, fitness and health.  I hope those who are able to do so will take advantage of this opportunity.”

Sizes and colors available for men range from 6 to 12 in dark brown or black and women from 5 to 12 in golden straw or white. Sample shoes will be available at the Cherokee Nation Gift Shop - Tahlequah to assist in selecting the correct size. There is a five pair of shoes limit per customer.

Applicants must be a citizen of a federally recognized Native American tribe and must provide a copy of their Certified Degree of Indian Blood (CDIB) card to be eligible to order the Nike Air Native N7 shoes. Shoes will be available for pick-up on March 6, 2010, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the lobby area between the Restaurant of the Cherokees and the Cherokee Nation Gift Shop - Tahlequah.  A valid form of identification will be required during ordering and picking up of the shoes. Shipping to other locations or directly to customers is not available.