Are self-lacing sneakers the future of the game? Nike thinks so, set to release the Nike Adapt BB (Basketball) self-lacing sports shoe February 17th, equipped with its own app and charging station.
The Adapt BB is the first power lacing shoe built for basketball allowing you to tighten or loosen your shoe with the touch of a button, and the most tested shoe in Nike’s history. Retailing at $350, it’s much more affordable than the iconic Nike Air MAG aka the Marty McFly.
“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,” says Eric Avar, Nike VP Creative Director of Innovation.
Not to be outdone, Puma announced they too will release a self lacing shoe, the Puma Fi (Fit Intelligence) in 2020 with a $330 price tag, $20 cheaper than Nike.
The Fi, a state-of-the-art training shoe made for workouts and light running comes with a smartphone app and charging station.The technology was built to learn the shape of your foot with a simple swipe motion. For athletes on the go quick adjustments can be made using the app or Apple Watch.
“We have created a product that speaks to the future of sport which is life in motion. It’s fast and changing all the time,” says Charles Johnson, PUMA’s Global Director of Innovation.
We’ll be keeping a close eye on this battle, let the sneaker wars begin!
