NIKE Shox

Shox is a shoe feature developed by Nike and incorporated in several of their flagship athletic sports shoes. Shox is an array of small hollow columns in the midsoles of the shoe, usually of rubber. There are different formations, but Shox are usually four circular columns in a square formation to provide cushioning. There can also be five or six Shox, 25 mm high, though they may vary in height, and triangular and rectangular Shox that Nike says provide better stability. Some shoes have midsoles made entirely of Shox, like the TL series. [1]

The first shoes to use the Shox technology were introduced in late 2000, the R4 runner, the BB4 basketball shoe, and the XT4 cross-training shoe.[citation needed]

Nike claims that Shox not only absorb impact from heel strike while running, but also claims they "spring back" and add more power to a runner's stride. Aside from this alleged boost in speed, the Shox is supposed to provide superior shock absorption with high-tech elastic foam.
The newer Shox series is compatible with "Nike+ technology." The Nike Shox Saya+ is the most recent Shox with this feature. The new Nike Shox Q'Vida Hi shoe is a new woman's "dance boot" implementation of Shox.

Actor Hugh Laurie of Fox's House is said to have 37 pairs of size 12½ Shox that he wears on the show and off set.[citation needed]

Athletes that are notable for wearing shoes with Shox technology include Alex Rodriguez, Vince Carter, Jermaine O'Neal, David M. West and Carlos Boozer.[citation needed]

Some of Nike’s best selling shoes include Shox, like the Shox NZ and Shox Turbo, which are available in different colors. These shoes can be found for customization on NikeID, Nike's online shoe customizing site. There are numerous options like different colors and materials for the Shox, along with custom tags.

On February 17, 2006, BBC News reported that Nike had filed a patent infringement suit against rival Adidas, claiming that a range of their trainers replicated its technology