SNEAKER INNOVATIONS: Nike FitAdapt Technology

June 18, 2020

Introduction

Nike Mag Power-Lacing Sneakers from Back to the Future Part II

(Nike Mag, power-laced sneaker from Back to the Future part II, photo courtesy of Nike.com)

The earliest models of the Adapt debuted in 2016 with the release of the Nike Mag power lacing sneaker, famously worn by Michael J. Fox in the classic movie, Back to the Future Part II. Now, 30 years later, and that vision has now matured into Nike's power-pumped FitAdapt technology, designed to capture a truly customizable perfected fit.

What is FitAdapt Technology?

Nike FitAdapt Specialized power-lacing system

(Nike's revolutionary lacing system, photo courtesy of Nike.com)

Nike FitAdapt is a breakthrough lacing system, designed to capture the perfect fit of the foot. The technology provides a personalized experience; utilizing a complex network of wires, gears, motors and sensors. The earliest models of the Adapt debuted in 2016 with the release of the Nike Mag power lacing sneaker, famously worn by Michael J. Fox in the classic movie, Back to the Future Part II. In the same year, Nike went even further down the road of power lacing, with the HyperAdapt 1.0, the first athletic shoe to feature power lacing, and electronically adjust to the wearer.

(Nike HyperAdapt 1.0, photo courtesy of Nike.com)

Nike continued to develop on their technology, selecting basketball as the first sport to test the next level of Adaptive Fit. In 2019, Nike released the Adapt BB 1.0, proving that their Adaptive Fit technology could not only endure the demands of basketball, but also can aid in athletic performance. The Adapt Huarache was then introduced to the lineup, as the highest level of comfort and support, adding control over fit by the Nike Adapt app (available for IOS & Android), offering a number of preset fit recommendations.

Nike Adapt BB 2.0 Bottom left, Nike Adapt AutoMax, Fit Adapt Engine, Nike Adapt app

(Nike 2020 Adapt Releases; Nike Adapt App top left, Nike Adapt AutoMax top right, Fit Adapt Engine center, Nike Adapt BB 2.0 'OG' bottom left, photo courtesy of Nike.com)

By 2020, Nike released two more additions to the Fit Adapt family. The first release upgraded the Adapt BB 1.0 - 2.0. The Adapt BB 2.0 improved on comfort, ride, and featured a redesigned upper, as well as a robust upgrade to the features and capabilities offered on the Nike Adapt app. Then, on March 26, 2020 (Commonly acknowledged as Air Max Day), FitAdapt joined the Air Max family with the AutoMax.

The AutoMax's design took cues from the iconic Air Max 90 and Nike Mag. The new silhouette's featured an increased profile and thicker midsole. The Air Max unit, and the FitAdapt engine are now highlighted with a familiar cassette design inspired from the Air Max 90.

How it works

(Nike Adapt BB 1.0, photo courtesy of Nike.com)

The way the Nike FitAdapt Technology works is pretty straight forward. The advanced power-lacing system and Nike Adapt App, work in tandem to provide a truly custom fit. A unique motor and gear train, sense the tension needed once you step into the shoe. The strength of the underfoot lacing is capable of 32 pounds of force (about the same as a standard parachute cord) to secure the foot in a range of movements.

How it is Tested

(Data gathered from Nike Research and Testing, photo courtesy of Nike.com)

Nike Adapt Shoes are the most tested shoe in Nike’s history. Nike researchers put the Adapt through a series of grueling tests, including impact tests, intense temperatures, end-of-life cycles (lasting tens of thousands of cycles), in/out waterproofing and more.

Special Features

(Nike Adapt App options demonstration, photo courtesy of Nike.com)

The Nike Adapt App comes loaded with 2 preset fits tuned for activity, relaxation, and custom user modes; all from your smartphone and smartwatch. 13 iconic Nike colors are available to illuminate the lace engines, with pulsing, static and off functions. The Fit Adapt firmware updates continually, and also works symbiotically with Siri, for IOS - Google Voice, for Android users. You can customize up to five commands, for example: “Siri, change my lights” or “Siri, loosen my shoes.”

Conclusion

(Nike Huarache Adapted for the Future, photo courtesy by Nike.com)

Nike has made a lot of dreams come true with the addition of Fit Adapt power-lacing. As Nike continues to hone in on the FitAdapt system, the next step will be to bring FitAdapt into other sports and lifestyle products, each with unique demands for fit and environments. Personally, I want an Adapt SB sneaker. I believe that will be the “illest” inclusion to the FitAdapt Family.