Tweed trainers

Nike supporting Scottish weavers

The announcement this summer that Nike had ordered 10,000 metres of Harris Tweed came as a surprise to those who associate the company more with sweatshop practices than supporting Scottish weavers. However, the decision to create a range of trainers from durable tweed seems to have paid off, because not only has the company benefitted from positive publicity for providing work to these genuine crafts people, but it also looks like the Harris tweed trainer will be a sales hit. Originally due to hit the shops this month, it seems the women's trainers won't actually go on sale for another couple of week and London's Niketown expects to have a delivery date confirmed by Tuesday, October 26th. The delay hasn't deterred folk looking to order - there have been several enquiries to Nike stockists - but Nike aren't accepting reservations.
Harris Tweed is unique: it is handwoven by islanders of Lewis, Harris, Uist and Barra in their homes, using pure virgin wool that has been dyed and spun in the Outer Hebrides and the name is protected by the Harris Tweed Act of Parliament in 1993.
There a are five versions of the women's baseball-style trainers all of which features panels made from Luskentyre Harris Tweed - they will be doubled branded and bear both the Nike swoosh and Harris Tweed's own official orb logo.

• Nike's Harris Tweed trainers for women will be available from Niketown, 236 Oxford Street London W1 telephone: 020 7612 0800 in November 2004 priced £60. Other Nike stockists are to be confirmed.