Nike has revealed its new concept shoe featuring motorized propulsion designed to reduce exertion for everyday runners and walkers. Project Amplify is also referred to as «an electric bike for feet,» as Nike intends for the shoe to help users cover longer distances with less strain, Euronews reported.
The shoe integrates a compact, lightweight motor, a drive belt system and a rechargeable cuff battery, all engineered into a carbon-fiber reinforced design. Wearers may choose to use the powered system or not. The device supports natural leg and ankle movement, simulating additional calf muscle power to assist the wearer.
More than 400 athletes have tested nine versions of the prototype at the Nike Sport Research Lab, logging over 2.4 million steps. The shoe remains in development and is expected to launch within the next few years.
The project is being developed in partnership with Dephy, a bionic footwear company that is also preparing to release its own powered ankle device, the Sidekick, designed to reduce fatigue and increase walking efficiency.
Nike’s innovation enters a growing market of tech-enhanced footwear, with competitors such as Shift Robotics and a Swiss project at Zurich University of Applied Sciences also developing advanced powered shoes as climate change makes running long distances harder.
