Nike Unveils Project Amplify: Revolutionary Powered Footwear

Nike has launched Project Amplify, an innovative powered footwear system designed to enhance movement accessibility for everyday athletes. This initiative aims to revolutionize running and walking, much like how e-bikes transformed urban commuting. The project targets individuals who previously found sustained movement daunting, positioning the footwear as an inclusive tool rather than solely a performance enhancer.

Unlike traditional athletic gear aimed at elite competitors, Project Amplify focuses on recreational runners maintaining a pace of 10-12 minutes per mile. This approach aligns with Nike’s founding ethos that “if you have a body, you are an athlete.” The footwear is designed to empower users—whether parents jogging with strollers or new runners tackling challenging terrains—by providing a new layer of support and confidence.

Innovative System Design

The footwear system comprises four key components: a lightweight motor, a drive belt, a rechargeable battery cuff, and a carbon fiber-plated running shoe. It functions effectively with or without the robotic assistance. Developed using motion algorithms from Nike’s Sport Research Lab, the design mimics natural lower leg and ankle movements.

Athletes who tested Project Amplify described the sensation as akin to having “a second set of calf muscles” or feeling integrated into their body during use. The technology aims to make uphill paths feel flat and convert a typical 12-minute mile into a 10-minute mile with reduced effort. The carbon fiber shoe also maintains its performance capabilities even without the motor, alleviating concerns about reliance on powered assistance.

The testing phase included over 400 athletes who collectively took 2.4 million steps, equivalent to approximately 12,000 laps around a 200-meter track. Nike iterated through nine versions of the hardware to achieve seamless integration, resulting in a product that athletes reported feeling like an extension of themselves. Michael Donaghu, Vice President of Create The Future, Emerging Sport and Innovation at Nike, emphasized that the technology “adds movement to your life,” enhancing outdoor experiences and promoting long-term exercise adherence.

User-Centric Design Philosophy

What sets Project Amplify apart is its user-centric design philosophy. Rather than optimizing for competitive runners, Nike has tailored the footwear for recreational athletes. This demographic includes individuals who want to extend their walking commutes, run longer distances without fatigue, or simply enjoy movement in a less intimidating manner.

This inclusive design philosophy reflects a broader trend in assistive technology, democratizing access to physical activities that were previously limited by personal capability or conditioning. The development process emphasized real-world usability, ensuring that users experience the system as an integral part of their movement.

Project Amplify will launch alongside three other innovations from Nike in October 2023, including the Therma-FIT Air Milano Jacket and advanced cooling systems in Aero-FIT performance gear. While still undergoing performance readiness testing, the powered footwear system is being developed in partnership with robotics company Dephy, with plans for broader consumer availability in the coming years.

With Project Amplify, Nike sets the stage for a new era of accessible, technology-driven fitness. As the story unfolds, expect further updates on this groundbreaking initiative.