Elemental Protection from Nike

Nike Therma-Sphere Max introduces thermoregulating composite technology designed for cold weather training.

“When an athlete trains in cold temperatures without appropriate apparel, the body strives harder to maintain thermal balance, which impairs performance,” says Barry Spiering, the Director of Applied Apparel Research for the Nike Explore Team Sport Research Lab. “The goal of our research team is to provide scientific insights to the apparel development team so they can create innovative solutions that help athlete performance, perception and protection.”

In other words, Nike’s goal is to help the athlete focus on performance rather than thermoregulation: the body’s way of maintaining its core internal temperature during challenging environmental conditions.  This means the avoidance of too many layers, which can lead to overheating, and the eschewal of too few layers, which results in the athlete being uncomfortably cold.

To address this dilemma, Nike created the Nike Therma-Sphere Max Men’s Training Jacket, the Nike Therma-Sphere Max Men’s Training Pant and the Nike Therma-Sphere Max Women’s Training Vest. Each feature a three-layer composite material specifically designed to help keep the wearer warm, comfortable and dry without weighing them down or sacrificing style.

Two years in the making, Nike’s most innovative training jacket beats the elements with lightweight warmth and supreme mobility. Articulated design and seams create a tailored fit and allow natural movement without any distractions. Nike Sphere raised-node technology within the back of the fabric traps warm air close to the body in the same way a wetsuit holds water.

The key technology is a thin spacer thermal design within the internal Nike Sphere fabric, providing breathability and lightweight insulation. While the Nike Sphere raised nodes trap in heat, the spacer thermal design allows your body heat to escape to help prevent overheating.

“The Nike Therma-Sphere Max Men’s Training Jacket is the first Nike training product that features the spacer thermal design,” said Becky O’Flanagan, Senior Product Line Manager for Nike Athletic Training. “It allows the body to breathe, helping the athlete focus on performance.”

The fabric contains a durable, water-repellent coating that is also wind-resistant, protecting the athlete against the elements.

Other key design features include bonded zippered pockets to provide secure storage and a scuba hood that contains cord locks at the neck for a personalized fit. The textured Swoosh design trademark is heat transferred at the upper-left chest.

Utilizing the same three-layer composite material as the jacket, the pant helps keep the athlete’s legs warm when training, while the water-repellent design protects against severe weather. Articulated seams follow the contours of the body in movement. The pant also features a full-length gusset and inseam panels for mobility and breathability. For a personalized fit, the pant contains a recycled draw cord with textured zipper pulls. The pockets have concealed zippers for a clean look, and the textured Swoosh design trademark is heat transferred just above the left knee.

Designed for cold weather training, the Nike Therma-Sphere Max Women’s Training Vest features the same three-layer composite material with Nike Sphere raised nodes to provide warmth and breathability in a sleek and stylish look.

“The Nike Therma-Sphere Max Women’s Training Vest is a great piece for outdoor training,” says Jamie Lee, Nike Design Director for Women’s Training. “We designed it with lightweight warmth and mobility in mind, so it will move with you to keep you warm and dry.”

The vest has a durable, water-repellent finish to help athletes stay dry on drizzly outdoor boot camp mornings and a zipper pocket for a media player or other small item.

With Nike Therma-Sphere Max, it’s time to embrace the winter and defeat the elements.

The Nike Therma-Sphere Max Men’s Training Jacket, Nike Therma-Sphere Max Men’s Training Pant and Nike Therma-Sphere Max Women’s Training Vest will be available September 1 on Nike.com and at select retailers.