Nike unveils 'world's first powered footwear system' for running and walking

Nike has announced Project Amplify, which it describes as the "world's first powered footwear system" that is aimed at sliding on the foot of athletes who want a second set of calf muscles.

That last sentence is ripped directly from the Nike press release, which states Amplify isn't designed for pro athletes that are looking to shave a few seconds of their latest record, but instead, it's aimed at athletes that want to move faster and farther with less effort, "in effect, a second set of calf muscles". According to Nike, Project Amplify is best used by someone who is running a 10-to-12-minute mile pace, and the development of the product has come after it was tested on over 400 athletes over the past several years.

Despite Nike unveiling Project Amplify, the company states it isn't ready to bring it to market just yet, and that it will remain in development until its release is ready "in the coming years". Project Amplify is for both running and walking, and is engineered to augment natural lower leg and ankle movement, providing support for wearers and an "unparalleled boost to anyone who wants to move".

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"The first-generation product, created alongside robotics partner Dephy, isn't designed for competitive, faster runners trying to shave seconds off their time; rather, it's intended to serve athletes who want to go faster and farther with less effort by giving them more power for everyday movement - in effect, a second set of calf muscles," reads the press release

Project Amplify was created through a partnership between Nike and Dephy, and the 400 athletes who assisted in the development of the product covered more than 2.4 million steps, and counting.

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"Built on motion algorithms informed by the Nike Sport Research Lab, the first-generation footwear system is comprised of a lightweight, powerful motor; drive belt; and rechargeable cuff battery that seamlessly integrate with a carbon fiber-plated running shoe that can be worn with or without the robotics system," explains Nike