Inside Nike's Secretive Sports Research Lab: Where Innovation Comes to Life

Ever wondered what goes on behind Nike's cutting-edge innovations? CNBC's Sarah Eisen whisked us away to Beaverton, Oregon, for a rare peek inside their super-secret Sports Research Lab! This isn't just any lab; it's an 80,000 square foot playground for scientists dedicated to perfecting athletic performance, from apparel to footwear, with prototypes built in less than an hour!

Imagine a place designed to capture every single detail about an athlete's movement. The lab is packed with mind-boggling tech: over 400 motion capture cameras and a whopping 96 force plates (which are essentially super-expensive, highly sensitive bathroom scales!). These gadgets aren't just for show; they capture data in three dimensions, meticulously tracking every move an athlete makes, whether they're on turf, the track, or a basketball court.

Sarah even got a taste of the research, having her own foot scanned to create a unique 3D model. They measure everything from lengths to circumferences, adding her distinct foot profile to a massive database of hundreds of thousands of unique feet to understand population averages. Beyond feet, the lab can recreate an athlete's skeleton digitally, placing markers on prominent bones to accurately define their position in 3D space. This allows them to analyze everything from power development and quickness to how much a joint rotates during movement, crucial for protection.

Nike CEO Elliott Hill highlighted that this state-of-the-art lab is central to the company's turnaround plan, reaffirming their focus squarely on athletes and sport. It's clear that this secret innovation hub is where Nike continues to push the boundaries of athletic possibility!