Nike unveiled its smart basketball shoes, which a wearer can lace via a smartphone app. The smart shoes, dubbed Adapt BB, does more than just self-lace. Using the Nike Adapt mobile app, users can adjust their shoes to the perfect fit.
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The Beaverton, Oregon-based athletic apparel maker said in an announcement that because how a player’s feet moves in a basketball match, getting a perfect fit is very difficult for traditional basketball shoes. But smart shoes have the ability to adapt to various needs.
“During a normal basketball game, the athlete’s foot changes and the ability to quickly change your fit by loosening your shoe to increase blood flow and then tighten again for performance is a key element that we believe will improve the athlete’s experience,” said Nike VP Creative Director of Innovation Eric Avar.
Nike explained that the Adapt BB uses a custom motor and tension-sensing gears to automatically adjust the snugness of each sneaker on a player’s feet.
Nike will also regularly update its FitAdapt technology. Using these updates, players can make Adapt BB the company’s “first continually updated performance product” with a precision fit that will get better over time.
“Athletes will be able to update and evolve their shoes with upgrades, new features and services all through smartphone technology inside their footwear,” said Michael Donaghu, Nike’s vice president of innovation.
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The shoes can be easily charged by setting them on the mat and watching the lights change to reflect battery levels. If the battery runs out while you’re wearing them, no need to worry, you can manually unlace the shoes.
Nike is flaunting these shoes, calling them a “mobile sports research lab on feet everywhere.” However, the shoes currently don’t give any data. But Nike said it will be coming, reports CNBC.
The shoes will officially debut on January 16, and Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum will be the first one to wear them.
The smart shoes will be available from Nike’s online store starting February 17 and will be priced at $350.
