2012-02-02 14:02:58 -

Nike is introducing a new sole utilizing state-of-the art design methods and
technologies to create a lightweight, durable composite sole that can easily be
used with Össur's Flex-Run prosthetic blade for amputee athletes.

Not all competitive athletes have the privilege of competing without obstacles,
so Nike has designed the new Nike Sole in conjunction with amputee triathlete
and World Record Holder Sarah Reinertsen and Össur, a leader in the orthopedics
industry known for their advanced prosthetic innovations.

"The Sarah Sole project is a special one for Nike," said Tobie Hatfield, Nike
Innovation Director. "The Nike Sole is a shining example of our passion and
commitment to serve athletes and provide them the solutions they need to achieve
their goals - we're always listening to the voice of every athlete."

The Nike   Sole features an integrated layered sole including an outsole, midsole
and thermal plastic urethane called Aeroply, made of recycled Nike Air Bag
units, serving as moderator between Nike Sole and the Össur Flex-Run's carbon
fiber blade. Nine nylon plastic tabs serve as fingers that wrap snugly around
the Flex-Run carbon fiber blade for secure lock down and easy on-off. A stretch
rubber leash with tactile grip tab for easy placement over medallion fastener
provides additional security.

"The Össur Flex-Run enables amputees of all abilities to achieve their athletic
goals," said Jon Sigurdsson, Össur's president and CEO. "This exciting
collaboration has leveraged Össur's unmatched research and development in
running prosthetics with Nike's first-class technologies, resulting in a product
unlike any other."

The first Nike prototype sole used by Reinertsen was made from a Nike Free 5.0
Trail outsole, which was adhered to a plastic-based sleeve that would slide onto
the blade. Tobie Hatfield, Nike's Innovation Director, worked closely with
Reinertsen to tweak the next round of prototypes based on her feedback wear
testing the sole unit.

Reinertsen, who faced the constant challenge of an unstable and unpredictable
footwear solution, was born with proximal femoral focal deficiency. She had a
bone-growth disorder which eventually led to her becoming an above-the-knee
amputee at seven years old.  Following the amputation she began to run track and
broke the 100-meter world record for female above-the-knee amputees at the age
of 13.

Like most competitive amputee athletes, Reinertsen competes today in marathons
and triathlons using an Össur Flex-Run prosthetic carbon fiber blade and Nike
Sole. In 2006, she began working with Hatfield and the Nike Innovation Kitchen
on a solution for her prosthetic outsole needs.

Previously, Reinertsen would use the outsole of a traditional running shoe as
her prosthetic "shoe." With limited innovations with prosthetic soles, this
cobbling approach to creating solutions using regular running footwear had
become the norm.  The new Flex-Run with Nike Sole provides a reliable advantage
and is now available through prosthetists' offices globally.

Reinertsen's career success includes seven marathons (NYC 1997, 1998; LA
1998, 1999; Millennium New Zealand 2000; London 2002; and Boston 2004) and she
was the first female above the knee amputee to complete the Ironman® World
Championship in Hawaii in 2005.  She's hungry for more success.

About NIKE, Inc.
NIKE, Inc. based near Beaverton, Oregon, is the world's leading designer,
marketer and distributor of authentic athletic footwear, apparel, equipment and
accessories for a wide variety of sports and fitness activities. Wholly-owned
Nike subsidiaries include Cole Haan, which designs, markets and distributes
luxury shoes, handbags, accessories and coats; Converse Inc., which designs,
markets and distributes athletic footwear, apparel and accessories; Hurley
International LLC, which designs, markets and distributes action sports and
youth lifestyle footwear, apparel and accessories; and Umbro Ltd., a leading
United Kingdom-based global football (soccer) brand. For more information,
visitwww.nikeinc.com


About Össur
Össur (NASDAQ OMX: OSSR) is a global leader in non-invasive orthopaedics that
help people live a life without limitations.  Its business is focused on
improving people's mobility through the delivery of innovative technologies
within the fields of braces, supports, prosthetic limbs and compression therapy,
including the Flex-Foot Cheetah carbon fiber running prostheses used by "The
Blade Runner", renowned double-amputee sprinter Oscar Pistorius.  A recognized
"Technology Pioneer", Össur invests significantly in research and product
development; its award-winning designs ensuring a consistently strong position
in the market.   Successful patient and clinical outcomes are further empowered
via Össur's educational programs and business solutions.  Headquartered in
Iceland, Össur has major operations in the Americas, Europe and Asia, with
additional distributors worldwide. www.ossur.com

Contact: Nerissa Silao for Össur: (714) 484-1128 or nerissas@ca.rr.com









Össur Flex-Run with Nike Sole: 
 hugin.info/133773/R/1581838/494152.jpg




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