The Nike Shox system: a revolutionary cushioning system with returning energy In 2001, Nike unveiled a completely new and revolutionary style of athletic shoe cushioning, the Nike Shox system. It is based on the simple idea that a shoe should not only provide cushioning, but return the energy of the impact. Shox are actually small rubber columns located in the midsoles of the shoe and can be formed into triangle or square formations for stability. The Nike Shox- technology is especially useful for sports with high impact between feet and ground. The technology first debuted in Nike running shoes but soon spread to Nike's basketball shoes and then to every Nike brand. The Shox system took sixteen years to develop: In 1984 the first Shox prototype is inspired by an exceptionally springy indoor running track at Harvard. The prototype looked more like a medieval torture device called The Spanish Boot. This first Shox prototype was used to find the optimal spring rate, but it’s clumsy and heavy metal frame did nothing to improve performance. Between 1984-1986 based on information extracted from past tests, the prototype line was made a more stable shoe using a leaf shaped spring to provide the optimal spring. In 1986 the third attempt at Shox produced a simpler, and more attractive cushioning system utilizing a closed leaf shaped spring, but still disappointed in durability, comfort, and stability. 1987: The next generation of Shox prototype attempted to solve the problem of durability and stability by replacing the closed leaf spring with a hinged carbon fiber shell. This breed of spring failed completely. A few years later, and still a decade from launching the Shox shoe line, Nike tested the first shoes that is a recognizable ancestor of the modern Nike Shox shoes. By integrating the stability of the spring plate from previous models with injection-molded support columns, Nike finally made progress in the creation of Shox technology. Between 1997-1998 new, high tech, high durability materials make the leaf spring redundant and bring about the current form of Nike Shox: four cushioning columns between two resilient plates. The result is an effective cushioning system with a high energy return. In 2001 Nike introduced the first Shox based shoe. Nike claims that Shox not only absorb impact from heel strike while running; they also "spring back" and add more power to a runner's stride. In 2004 Nike released two popular Shox basketball shoes, the Nike Shox Explosive and the Nike Shox Elevate. The Nike Shox VC, Shox signature shoe of Vince Carter, is also released. The state- of-the-art Shox won’t have you bouncing off of walls, but it will provide a barely noticeable, but pleasantly springy ride for even the most demanding athlete!