Nike’s Self-Lacing ‘Marty McFly’ Sneakers Come Back to The Future November 28th

Great Scott! Tying your own shoes is now a thing of the past. Nike is releasing Back to the Future II-inspired self-lacing shoes, the HyperAdapt 1.0.

How do the shoes work? Sensors in the HyperAdapt 1.0 will determine when they are being worn. A "lace engine" in the base of the shoe then controls a system of nylon bands that tighten around the foot. Wearers press a "+" button by the tongue of the shoe to tighten and a "-" button to loosen in order to adjust their laces.

shoes on feet

The shoes are rechargeable and require a magnetic adapter. The shoes charge for roughly three hours in order to provide enough power for two weeks. A blue light indicates a full charge, a yellow light means that the shoes have a few days left of power, and red light signals that the shoes need to be charged as soon as possible. Users can still take off their HyperAdapt 1.0’s, even if they are out of juice.

Most people think that the shoes are a cool toy, however, Nike has a larger vision for its product. Tiffany Beers, a senior innovator at Nike stated, “For performance, just being able to adjust it on the fly. The beginning of a marathon versus the end of a marathon, your feet swell, there's sweat. Your environment is always changing in sports.” She even hinted at subsequent improvements. Beers noted that in the future, users will not even have to press a button to further adjust their shoes.

shoes up close

The HyperAdapt 1.0 is accompanied by a few caveats. The price has yet to be released, however, there a rumors that it will be priced through the stratosphere. The shoes will also not be out on the shelves. Nike PR Director Heidi Burgett remarked on Twitter that customers will need to arrange an appointment in order to “experience” the shoes in stores.

Nike’s HyperAdapt 1.0 will be available to ogle over in select Nike retail stores, Monday, November 28th.