LThe running of tomorrow starts today. Nike announced via a press release the launch of Project Amplify, a unique system of motorized shoes designed to improve the performance of amateur runners and walkers by reducing the effort required to move forward. According to Nike, this innovation, developed in collaboration with robotics specialist Dephy, helps increase the natural movement of the lower leg and ankle, providing a boost to anyone who wants to walk, run or simply move more.
The system, which is still in the testing phase, works using a motor and a rechargeable battery. The manufacturer also adds that the shoes can be used with or without robotic assistance. So don’t panic if your battery runs out.
An innovation still in the testing phase
Michael Donaghu, Create The Future Vice President, Emerging Sport and Innovation, explains: “Project Amplify was born from a simple question: what if we found a way to help athletes go faster and further with less energy and a lot more fun? » The idea is to give users extra power in their daily movements by targeting runners with an average speed of 6 to 8 km/h.
The tests carried out by the brand on a panel of 400 people of “all levels” proved positive, with a total of 2,400,000 steps taken for this study. Among the feedback, some mentioned a feeling of running on flat ground while going uphill. Others saw their running speed increase by an average of 20%, or approximately 8 to 9.5 km/h.
To Discover
Kangaroo of the day
Answer
The brand would like to point out that this new system is not intended for professional athletes but rather for regular runners who would like to increase their performance without getting “tired”, like electric bikes.
Although Project Amplify is still in the testing phase, Nike plans a wide rollout in the coming years. However, the price is not communicated at the moment. To wait, the brand announced the release of shoes based on neuroscience in January 2026, a shoe which should allow, according to Nike, to have greater concentration during races, with 22 foam nubs which transmit to the feet the sensations of the road.
