As an activewear company, Nike has been at the forefront of athletic apparel and footwear for several decades now, and they continue to innovate as technology moves forward. Their latest endeavor, called Project Amplify, goes a step further. Bringing robotics into the equation, Project Amplify is lauded as the world’s first powered footwear system for running and walking, allowing users to go faster and farther with less effort.
Developed alongside bionic footwear and apparel brand Dephy, this accessory works by boosting natural lower leg and ankle movement. Nike has described the device as “a second set of calf muscles.” With a shape that evokes an ankle brace, it features a light but mighty motor, a drive belt, and a rechargeable cuff battery. The entire system integrates seamlessly with a running shoe that can be worn with or without the brace.
While this is the latest in sports technology, Nike didn’t create Project Amplify with professional athletes in mind. Instead, it wants to boost the millions of regular folks who use their products in their everyday lives. After all, for Nike, there is no divide in who qualifies as an athlete—if you have a body, you’re part of the club. That’s why Nike tested it on 400 athletes of all abilities and intensities.
“Akin to how electric bikes have made it easier to ride farther and more frequently, revolutionizing urban commuting,” the company explains, “Nike is developing Project Amplify to make slower running, jogging and walking easier and more fun, with a focus on athletes running between a 10- and 12-minute mile pace.”
As Project Amplify continues to be tested, Nike is also working on new developments in fields like advanced cooling and mind science. “We’ve always believed movement is medicine, and Project Amplify is the next chapter in that story. It’s a bold leap forward, crossing a new threshold of putting power directly into your stride,” says Michael Donaghu, VP of Create The Future, Emerging Sport and Innovation at Nike. “The fun comes from realizing you can do more than you thought you could—whatever ‘more’ means to you.”
Nike’s latest endeavor, Project Amplify, is lauded as the world’s first powered footwear system for running and walking.
Developed alongside bionic footwear and apparel brand Dephy, it works by boosting natural lower leg and ankle movement.
Instead of focusing on professional athletes, Nike created this revolutionary system with pedestrians in mind, allowing them to go faster and farther with less effort.
Sources: Nike Unveils Project Amplify, the World’s First Powered Footwear System for Running and Walking
All images via Nike.
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