Nike’s COVID-19 Donation to the VA

Nike’s COVID-19 Donation to the VA

In 2019, Nike designed a shoe, the Air Zoom Pulse, specifically for healthcare workers. In 2020, Nike surprised nearly 3,800 VHA nurses, those who have been on the frontline battling the pandemic since it started, with a pair of these innovative new shoes.

Some were sent to VHA Disaster Emergency Personnel System volunteers who are working in COVID hot spots. Some were delivered to specific healthcare workers who have been implementing innovative care solutions at their home facility.

According to Nike, the fit, cushioning, and traction systems of the Air Zoom Pulse work synergistically to secure the foot in hospital conditions. The company describes the shoe as “the traditional clog made athletic.” Its smooth surface is even designed for easy cleaning – something we all know is necessary in a medical setting.

Nike’s COVID-19 VA donation was included as part of a large-scale donation of nearly 30,000 pairs of Air Zoom Pulse sneakers to healthcare systems throughout the country. The VHA donation was coordinated by the VA’s Secretary Center for Strategic Partnerships (SCSP) as well as the Veteran Canteen Services (VCS), Office of Nursing Services, Voluntary Services, and the Office of General Counsel. They developed a distribution plan involving 123 VA medical facilities.

“Nike has always believed in the outstanding values and character found in the Military, and we are thankful to those who serve – and those who serve them. We hope they know how grateful we are for their care of our Veterans.” – BJ Pendergast, – Special Field Systems Global Category Director for Nike.

VHA nurses, and their feet, certainly appreciate the gesture.