From 3D printing to continuing perfection of the Air-based midsoles, Nike has taken some bigger technological swings in the past couple of years. We also saw the viral release of the Hyperboot recovery boot, in partnership with Hyperice. And now, the athletic giant is doubling down on recovery once again with a new futuristic-looking slide, dubbed Mind 001.
We’ve seen Nike dabble in hybrid slides like the Calm, or purpose-built recovery slides like the Rejuven8. But with the Mind 001, these full-on post-workout sandals are intended to actually double as stylish footwear.
Cybertruck Energy
Yeah, people are already drawing references to a particular angular Tesla vehicle — and they’re not wrong. The sculptural, molded construction is aggressive in a way most recovery slides aren’t. Nike is known for taking chances with their designs, so this is par fo the course. Coming in “Light Smoke Grey,” the perforated upper is blatantly designed for ventilation on both the tops and sides of your feet.
Branding is fairly understated with a small embroidered Swoosh up front that’s fairly understated. Although, the sideways chrome Swoosh badge on the side looks slightly like a car badge instead of sneaker branding.
Orange You Glad?
Where the Mind 001 diverges from typical recovery slides is in those bright orange pods jutting out from the outsole. Nike’s calling them “beaded grips” for targeted recovery support, which suggests there’s some actual science behind the placement rather than just aesthetic choice. The brand hasn’t shared much about the specific tech here — just that it’s developed by the Nike Mind Science Department.
Built for Downtime
Recovery footwear has come a long way from those basic foam flip-flops you’d grab at the gym. Nike’s clearly intending for the Mind 001 to be something you can actually wear outside the locker room.
The minimalist, two-part construction should keep weight way down while the neutral colorway means these will at least attempt to blend in with your daily wardrobe.
Spec Sheet
Model: Nike Mind 001
Upper: Perforated molded foam
Midsole: Molded foam
Outsole: Molded foam with orange beaded grip pods
Release Date: October 2025
Pricing & Availability
The Mind 001 drops in October for $90 through Nike’s website and select retailers.
Recap
Nike Mind 001 Recovery Slide
Nike’s new Mind 001 recovery slide is their latest push into post-workout footwear, packing sculptural molded foam and orange grip pods for targeted recovery at $90. It’s futuristic-looking enough to wear outside the gym, which is the whole point — recovery gear that doesn’t look like recovery gear.
