Nike has launched the Nike HyperAdapt 1.0, a shoe that plans to change the way we wear sneakers forever.
It’s the first fully-functioning athletic shoe that electronically adjusts to the contour of your feet with adaptive lacing technology. Though it provides a personalized custom fit, it has sensors to tighten and loosen the shoe’s to one’s preference, it is not one size fits all. It is powered by a proprietary charging puck that magnetically attaches to the bottom of the shoes, that can last up to two weeks depending on usage. The shoe is designed for training and/or a casual wear, though has been tested in a variety of sports.
The process in creating the shoe was a vigorous one, though creative nonetheless. As many things before they’re created, it all started out as an idea from Tinker Hatfield, the designer behind many Nike models. From there on, Nike CEO and President Mark Parker got involved, and he helped guide the aesthetics of the shoe. From there on, the brainstorming process began and multiple theories were tested in hope of figuring out how this newfound tech would be implemented into the shoes. The main goal was to implant the technical components into a small area, which would result in a more natural feeling fit.
The creators behind the shoe are very enthusiastic about its release, mainly because it’s prompting the attention of this technology to be widespread. It has a lot of potential as Hatfield has said, mainly because it senses what the body needs in real-time and reacts to that.
The first generation model is now available in the U.S., retailing at $720 at Nike or other third-party retailers.