E-shoes aim to make running and walking easier: Nike unveils Project Amplify
Project Amplify is Nike's latest shoe project. It aims to develop a powered footwear system designed to support users when walking and running with a motor and battery. Similar to an e-bike, this should enable users to cover longer distances and maintain higher speeds with less effort.
To make this possible, a motorized joint supports the natural movement of the lower leg and ankle. This is intended to motivate users to exercise more, as they can achieve their goals much faster than would be possible without "e-shoes". The motor is designed to make inclines feel much more comfortable, as users should hardly be able to tell the difference between walking on flat ground and walking in the motorized shoes.
The first generation of this project will target athletes who run at a pace of between 6 and 8 minutes per kilometer; Project Amplify is not yet intended for professional runners. The design of Project Amplify is versatile, as the shoe can also be used without the motor system. The battery is located on a strap that is worn around the lower leg, so it can be easily detached from the shoe and charged.
According to Nike, Project Amplify is a first step toward the future of sports. However, the motorized shoe is still in an early testing phase, and Nike has no concrete plans for a commercial launch yet, saying only that the shoes will be made available to consumers "in the coming years".
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