Nike launches self-lacing sneakers, controllable with Siri and Apple Watch

At the start of the year, Nike unveiled anew basketball shoe, which is irremediably reminiscent of those of the film Back to the Future. What’s special about these sneakers? They lace up on their own and are controlled from the iPhone.

Nike has just released a new model which uses the principle of automatic lacing, except that this time it is possible to control the intensity of the lacing with the Siri voice assistant or from the Apple Watch.

This basketball shoe intended for the general (sporty) public is called the Nike Adapt Huarache. It incorporates small motors allowing automatic tightening around the user's foot, as soon as the foot is inserted.

Lacing intensity can be changed via the Nike app. It is also possible to change it by voice using Siri or the Apple Watch. Which can be practical during a sporting event.

For example, a user might say “Hey Siri, loosen my shoes“, so that the lacing relaxes and tightens the foot less. From the app, it is also possible to change the color of the LED light on the shoes.

The choice was made to favor basketball because it is the sport where, according to the manufacturer, the feet change the most volume during the game, leading to lacing that is too tight or not tight enough. With automation, the shoe adapts to changes in foot size during the game.

These new sneakers will be available for sale from September 13.

Deputy editor-in-chief, also known under the pseudonym Teza. Former video games journalist, who has been immersed in tech and Apple products since his very first iPhone 3GS in 2009. He has since worked for several American tech sites and now for iPhon.fr. Incidentally YouTuber and Apple product specialist on the MobileAddict channel. To contact me: maxime[a]iphon.fr