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.
Photo credit: Recon Beat Lab
First, there were these Super Soaker sneakers, and now, Recon Beat Lab has unveiled a pair of Russell Westbook Game Boy-themed Jordans. These Why Not Zer0.2s sneakers, Westbrook’s signature shoe, sports a Game Boy-inspired color scheme, complete with a Game Boy cartridge hang-tag and even a Game Boy box that looks like a giant version of the classic portable game console. Read more for additional pictures and information.
Photo credit: Recon Beat Lab
During the early 1980s, a NASA scientist named Lonnie Johnson created a heat pump system, and was testing it in his bathroom. However, a powerful stream shot from his prototype made him realize that this could make a great water gun, thus the legendary water gun was born. The idea was then sold to Larami Toys, and they released the Power Drencher. This name wasn’t very popular at first, but popularity grew significantly when they renamed it the Super Soaker 50. Nike decided to pay tribute to the Super Soaker 50 with these Russell Westbrook sneakers modeled after the classic water gun in its iconic packaging with the original tagline of “The most powerful watergun ever!” replaced with “The most powerful point guard ever!”. Read more for additional pictures and information.
Puma is ready to take on the second-generation Nike HyperAdapt sneaker when they’re released later this year, with their very own self-tying shoes, called “Fi” (Fit Intelligence) that can adapt to the wearer’s foot when they swipe a module on the shoe’s tongue. How does it work? An embedded micromotor activates a pair of cables that tighten the shoe as needed, and the tightness can also be adjusted through a smartphone app, while micro adjustments can also be made using an Apple watch. Read more for a hands-on video and additional information.
Nike on Tuesday revealed Adapt BB, lace-less sneakers that can be adjusted on the fly using a mobile app, and Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum will be the first to wear these in an NBA game. Instead of laces, each shoe sports a “custom motor and gear train” that senses tension and then automatically adjusts to fit snugly around the foot. To loosen or tighten them, simply touch two buttons located on the side of the shoe or slide use the app. “Being one of the first athletes to wear the shoe and being picked as a representative of the future of Nike basketball means a lot. That the app allows the ability to put the shoe on and touch the button, change the colors, see the percentage on the battery…it’s just cool,” said Tatum. Read more for a hands-on video and additional information.
These may not be the first self-lacing shoes from Nike, but definitely one that may help you reach your weight loss goals by increasing exercise efficiency. The Nike HyperAdapt Self-Lacing Shoe sports a hardshell design protecting the mechanical components, while a gloss keeps things sleek and stylish. A heel-mounted motor tighten the laces, which zigzag from the outsoles to the front end, at the push of a button. Read more for additional pictures and information.
Nike officially announced yesterday during its quarterly earnings report conference call that they’ll be releasing a pair of “Adaptive”, self-lacing performance basketball shoes in 2019 that will be priced around $350. The company’s Jordan XXXIII gives us a preview of how this latest sneaker might work, as it features FastFit technology, a tightening system that activates by tugging a strap on the forefoot. “We have a smart shoe designed for the perfect fit, and it’s a major step in advancing and connecting our digital transformation to product,” said CEO Mark Parker. Read more for another video and additional information.
Photo credit: Kotalu
In 1988, Nintendo of America launched Nintendo Power, a monthly news and strategy magazine that served to advertise new games. The first issue of Nintendo Power was published in July/August, which showcased the NES game Super Mario Bros. 2. So, it was only fitting for Sears to include some video game-themed products in their Wish Book catalog the following year. Unfortunately, a pair of ski pajamas would have cost you $12 ($24 today) back then. Read more for additional pictures and information.
The Puma RS-Computer running shoe was far ahead of its time, but a few lucky individuals who missed out on the original release back in 1986, will have a chance of snagging a pair soon. However, it will receive a few modern upgrades, including a three-axis accelerometer to measure calorie burn, distance and step counts. Thankfully, you won’t have to plug in a 16-pin data cable to sync up to 30 days of activity data, but can instead use Bluetooth to transmit the data to an Android or iOS app. Read more for additional pictures and information.
Photo credit: Hi Consumption
Star Wars fans rejoice! Columbia Sportswear has just unveiled a limited edition Empire Crew Parka. This $500 jacket was inspired by the original cast and crew while filming the iconic ice planet Hoth scenes of Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back. You’ll have to be quick though, as they will hit the online store at 12:10am EST on December 7th, as well as at select retail stores in the US, Canada, Europe, China, Hong Kong, Japan and Korea. That’s not all, select US stores will also offer a handful of parkas signed by Mark Hamill, the actor who played Luke Skywalker in the film, but this version will set you back a cool $1980 USD, with all proceeds being donated to charity. Read more for additional pictures and information.