Nike’s 'Powered' Footwear: The World’s First Exoskeleton for Your Feet—and a 45-Degree Ramp That Feels Like an Escalator
Nike just unveiled Project Amplify, billed as the world's first powered footwear system. A carbon-fiber-reinforced sneaker straps an ankle-movement motor, drive belt, and rechargeable battery to your foot and lower leg—essentially an exoskeleton you wear on your run. Nike argues this could unlock new possibilities for movement, likening it to how electric bikes expanded how far people ride. And there’s a bold warning: don’t wear this during a race or you could be disqualified.
In This Article:
What is Project Amplify? A Carbon-Fiber Exoskeleton Sneaker
Project Amplify is described as a lower-leg exoskeleton built into a sneaker. The system includes an ankle motor, a drive belt, and a rechargeable battery, all wrapped in a carbon-fiber-reinforced shoe. The goal is to augment ankle movement and power, turning a simple stride into something more energetic.
A Promise to Boost Movement for Anyone Who Wants to Move
Nike says Amplify offers an 'unparalleled boost to anyone who wants to move' and could usher in a 'new future for running, jogging and walking.' The company frames the technology as a general mobility aid rather than a niche accessibility device, drawing a parallel to how electric bikes encourage longer and more frequent rides. A tester described a two-story ramp on a 45-degree angle as feeling like an escalator, turning stairs into an effortless glide.
Skepticism, Hype, and the Strava Effect
Yet skepticism remains. Mainstream adoption is uncertain; Nike has a history of outlandish concepts, such as the Back to the Future-inspired self-lacing shoes that never quite took off. The product also sparks debate on platforms like Strava about cheating or unfair advantages, raising questions about where this technology fits in sports and everyday life.
More Innovation, and a Cautious Road Ahead
Beyond Amplify, Nike previewed other athlete-focused innovations: a neuroscience-based footwear line to help athletes feel calmer, a jacket that provides dynamic warmth and personalized thermal control, and a fabric that channels more than double the airflow of older Nike apparel for a hotter world. Nike says a broad consumer launch is coming in the coming years, but for now, a clear warning remains: don’t wear them in a race or you risk disqualification.
