When we first learned of the Nike/Apple collaboration months ago, millions of possibilities raced through our sneakerheads. Would we see a Steve Jobs Quickstrike modeled after blue jeans and a black turtleneck? Or maybe the iDunk? Not quite. Boasting a smart shoe that talks to your iPod Nano, the Nike+iPod Sport Kit is more than just a gimmicky meeting of the minds.
Developed over the past two years, the Nike Air Zoom Moire is part of the two companies' goal to create products that, according to a Nike spokesperson, "seamlessly integrate sports and music into fitness and training routines." To achieve this, the Moire features a removable sensor the size of a bottle cap embedded in the midsole that communicates wirelessly with a Nano add-on device to record distance, time, speed, and even calories burned. This info can be viewed on a Nano's screen or played aloud by a real-time voice that speaks over whatever tune is playing. On nikeplus.com, both Mac and PC users can upload data to track progress, set goals, and compare results with other runners.
Of course, with Nike and Apple involved, there's an almost fanatical eye toward design. The Moire looks good off the shelf, and certain customers at the iD studio may get a chance to design their own. Try tracking down the featured sneaker, a special-edition colorway that Nike gave to industry mavens at the sneaker's official release in May. Nike will introduce the technology to several models over time. "Nike+ is only the beginning of a mutual commitment [with Apple] to explore what's possible," added the spokesperson. If they can push the limits, so can you. Now get off your ass, and get running. Nike Air Zoom Moire, $100,
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