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Remember self-lacing shoes from Back to the Future 2? Buckle up, because Nike’s latest innovation takes a giant leap beyond. The brand has partnered with Hyperice, a leader in massage gun technology, to develop sneakers that massage your feet while you wear them!
These high-tops feature built-in magic – a series of air-filled pockets and heating elements nestled within the soles. Powered by in-shoe batteries, the system provides dynamic air compression and targeted warmth to the muscles and tissues of your foot and ankle. This translates to improved performance and faster recovery, all while you’re on the go.
Controlled via four small buttons on the shoe’s heel, the massage function offers a unique pre-workout experience. Hyperice reports that athletes testing the shoes felt a noticeable difference – their feet and ankles felt “freer and lighter,” as if they’d already completed a warm-up before even starting their routine.
“Recovery is crucial for any athlete,” says Tobie Hatfield, senior director of Nike Athlete Innovation. “But athletes are increasingly emphasizing the importance of ‘pre-covery’ – getting the body primed for activity beforehand. These shoes, co-developed with Hyperice, do just that, whether you’re a professional athlete or someone who spends long hours on their feet.”
This isn’t the first time fitness technology has embraced recovery. Features like Garmin’s Training Readiness score on running watches encourage athletes to prioritize rest days. However, Nike’s innovation takes things a step further by incorporating preventative massage directly into footwear, potentially helping to prevent injuries and improve overall performance.
So, ditch the pre-workout stretches and grab a pair of Nike’s self-massaging sneakers. The future of footwear is here, and it feels amazing.
