The Nike Adapt platform creates a truly custom fit by combining an advanced power-lacing system, an app as well as continually updated firmware, and it’s featured in the all-new Nike Adapt BB sneakers. How does it work? When you step into the Nike Adapt BB, a custom motor and gear train senses the tension needed by the foot and adjusts accordingly to keep the foot snug. The tensile strength of the underfoot lacing pulls 32 pounds of force to secure the foot throughout a range of movement. “We picked basketball as the first sport for Nike Adapt intentionally because of the demands that athletes put on their shoes. 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 Eric Avar, Nike VP Creative Director of Innovation. Read more for a video review, hands-on pictures and additional information.
By manual touch or via the Nike Adapt smartphone app, users can input different fit settings depending on different moments of a game. For example, during a timeout, a player can loosen the shoe before tightening it up as they re-enter the game. In the near future, they’ll even be able to prescribe a different tightness setting for warm-ups. You can opt in to firmware updates for the FitAdapt technology as they become available.
Photo credit: Engadget
“When I opened the package, it actually felt as if I was unboxing a smartphone, not a pair of shoes. That’s namely because of the included QI wireless charging pad, the USB cable/wall charger combo and the starting guide that shows you how to use the Adapt BBs. It’s just not something I’m used to when buying sneakers; if I’m lucky, I’ll get an extra pair of shoelaces in the box, and that’s usually as exciting as it gets,” according to Engadget’s Edgar Alvarez.
