If you make a habit of skipping leg day, or would rather scoot around the office in your chair than get up and walk, Nike’s Project Amplify could be just what you need.
These futuristic kicks act as “a second set of calf muscles” for “everyday athletes” who want to walk or run more while expending less effort. They’re probably also good for the more serious athletes, although then it might feel like you’re cheating.
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“Project Amplify started with a single question: What if we could find a way to help athletes move faster and farther with less energy and a lot more fun? At its core, Project Amplify is about seamlessly adding a little more power to your stride. The fun comes from realizing you can do more than you thought you could — whatever ‘more’ means to you,” says Michael Donaghu, VP of Create The Future, Emerging Sport and Innovation.
Developed alongside robotics partner Dephy and motion algorithms informed by the Nike Sport Research Lab, the first-generation model of Project Amplify uses a regular-looking running shoe with a carbon fibre plate, a calf-mounted rechargeable battery, a motor, and a drive belt to ‘amplify’ your strides.
They won’t eliminate the need for you to move your legs entirely, but Nike says they will make “walking or running uphill feel like moving on flat ground.” Or, in other cases, reduce your lap time by several minutes.
Nike compares using the robotic-looking boots to riding an e-bike. You still have to pedal on those, but the battery and electric motor make that far easier than doing it all yourself.
But that’s the whole point, we hear you say. That’s right, for some people. For folks who need a little help, these might prove rather useful. Extra points if you pair them with this helmet that can help you see, these legs that will help you hike, and these gloves that will help you learn piano faster. Being a flesh human is starting to seem outdated.
There’s no telling when exactly these will break out into the mainstream, but Nike says to expect “a broad consumer launch in the coming years.”
