![\"_86207603_c78a06ed-eac0-4634-a6f2-c4062dbc08d1\"](\"http:\/\/4cd.e16.myftpupload.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/03\/86207603_c78a06ed-eac0-4634-a6f2-c4062dbc08d1.jpg\")
<\/p>\nNike has unveiled its much-anticipated range of self-lacing shoes.<\/p>\n
It said the HyperAdapt trainers would be released to the public before the end of the year.<\/p>\n
A pair of Nike-branded shoes with self-tightening laces featured in the 1989 film Back to the Future II, but it was not until 2013 that the firm started trying to make real-world versions.<\/p>\n
In an unexpected move, the US firm has said that sales would be restricted to users of its apps.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
While some might see the self-lacing function as being more gimmicky than useful, the tie-in to the Nike+ software will help the company promote other goods to those curious about HyperAdapt.<\/p>\n
Nike+ apps are currently focused on tracking data about users’ activities and offering them training programmes. But from June, the platform will introduce personalised shopping recommendations and an online store.<\/p>\n
“Nike has lost a fair bit of traction recently to sportswear upstarts including Under Armour, which bought the MyFitnessPal app, and Asics, which has acquired Runkeeper,” said Marc McLaren, online editor of Stuff, a tech-focused magazine.<\/p>\n
“This will help keep people engaged, and we can already see from the reaction our readers are having to the announcement that they are very excited by it.”
\nMini motors<\/p>\n
Although Marty McFly’s trainers appeared to tie themselves up in the Back to the Future movie, the effect was in fact created using a prop that was bolted to the ground, below which a stagehand pulled on the laces.<\/p>\n
Nike has achieved the effect for real by using small electric motors to adjust the laces.<\/p>\n
These are activated when the user’s heel touches a sensor.<\/p>\n
![\"_88819315_bb7bd49a-b255-4c50-a807-0dff1be19079\"](\"http:\/\/4cd.e16.myftpupload.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/03\/88819315_bb7bd49a-b255-4c50-a807-0dff1be19079.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Two buttons on the side allow the wearer to tighten or loosen the fit. A glowing component built into the sole acts as a wireless charging point, while LEDs on the back indicate how much charge remains.<\/p>\n
Attendees at the company’s Innovation Summit in New York were able to try on functioning prototypes.<\/p>\n
The firm said the final product should need to be recharged about once a fortnight.<\/p>\n
In time, Nike added, it intends to develop the idea further.<\/p>\n
“Wouldn’t it be great if a shoe, in the future, could sense when you needed to have it tighter or looser?” asked the trainers’ designer Tinker Hatfield.<\/p>\n
“Could it take you even tighter than you’d normally go if it senses you really need extra snugness in a quick manoeuvre? That’s where we’re headed.”<\/p>\n
The firm is not alone in developing self-tightening footwear.<\/p>\n
At the CES tech show in January, French start-up Digitsole unveiled a pair of self-tightening “smartshoes” that also featured an app-controlled heater – but they have yet to go on sale.<\/p>\n
Nike, however, has a stronger brand.<\/p>\n
“I think it’s a canny move to get people to sign up to the Nike+ service, but if they do prove popular I’m sure the firm will open them up to a wider audience eventually,” added Mr McLaren.<\/p>\n
“But maybe that will be another year down the line.”<\/p>\n
–<\/p>\n
Source: BBC<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Nike has unveiled its much-anticipated range of self-lacing shoes. It said the HyperAdapt trainers would be released to the public before the end of the year. A pair of Nike-branded shoes with self-tightening laces featured in the 1989 film Back to the Future II, but it was not until 2013 that the firm started trying […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":199801,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[106],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\n