Nike’s New Sneakers Are ‘Like an E-Bike for Your Feet.’ Here’s How They Work.
The Project Amplify system attaches motorized leg shells to sneakers to help everyday runners go faster and farther.
Nike is building sneakers that give you superpowers. The Project Amplify system augments natural lower leg and ankle movement, making runners and walkers go faster and farther. The battery-powered contraptions look like something out of Terminator, consisting of standard-looking sneakers with carbon fiber plates attached to 3D-printed titanium leg shells that cinch to the calves. “It’s like an e-bike for your feet,” Mike Yonker, who heads the development team, told NPR.
The shoes learn how your ankles move and customize algorithms for smooth propulsion. Some athletes went from a 12-minute mile to a 10-minute mile using the tech. Nike plans to launch Project Amplify commercially in 2028, targeting everyday athletes rather than competitive runners.
Developed with robotics partner Dephy, the system effectively provides a second set of calf muscles. Athletes said it feels like part of their body and makes running uphill feel like moving on flat ground.
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Nike is building sneakers that give you superpowers. The Project Amplify system augments natural lower leg and ankle movement, making runners and walkers go faster and farther. The battery-powered contraptions look like something out of Terminator, consisting of standard-looking sneakers with carbon fiber plates attached to 3D-printed titanium leg shells that cinch to the calves. “It’s like an e-bike for your feet,” Mike Yonker, who heads the development team, told NPR.
The shoes learn how your ankles move and customize algorithms for smooth propulsion. Some athletes went from a 12-minute mile to a 10-minute mile using the tech. Nike plans to launch Project Amplify commercially in 2028, targeting everyday athletes rather than competitive runners.
Developed with robotics partner Dephy, the system effectively provides a second set of calf muscles. Athletes said it feels like part of their body and makes running uphill feel like moving on flat ground.
Sign up for the Entrepreneur Daily newsletter to get the news and resources you need to know today to help you run your business better. Get it in your inbox.
