Nike has revealed a futuristic prototype that could change the way people move — battery-powered shoes designed to make running and walking easier.
Known as Project Amplify, the sneakers are described as the world’s first powered footwear system for both walking and running. Developed in collaboration with robotics company Dephy, the design uses built-in motors and a rechargeable battery to enhance each step, providing what Nike calls “an unparalleled boost to anyone who wants to move.”
According to the company, the shoes work by mimicking an extra set of calf muscles. Each pair includes a cuff worn around the lower leg, containing a battery that connects to a carbon fiber–plated running shoe equipped with a lightweight motor. As the wearer begins to walk or run, the system automatically amplifies movement — propelling the foot forward and softening the impact when it lands.
Early testing suggests the powered motion can make walking or jogging up to 20% more efficient, meaning a 10-minute stroll could take just eight minutes at the same pace. Nike compares the concept to an electric bicycle — another device that uses stored energy to make travel smoother and more accessible.
The project is still in its experimental phase, but more than 400 athletes have already tested the shoes, collectively logging around 2.4 million steps — the equivalent of 12,000 laps on a 200-metre track. Over nine different prototypes have been produced so far, each refining a specific part of the system before arriving at the current version.
Early reviews have been enthusiastic. GQ likened the experience to “walking up the escalator instead of the stairs,” while Runner’s World called Project Amplify “an engineering marvel” that adds power without restricting natural movement.
Nike says the goal isn’t to give elite runners a competitive edge, but to help everyday athletes move with less effort — especially those who run or jog at a moderate pace. The shoes could also benefit older adults or people with mobility challenges by making it easier to walk or climb inclines.
Social media reactions have been mixed. Some users joked that the concept pushes humanity closer to a “cyborg era,” while others welcomed it as a breakthrough for accessibility and fitness.
Project Amplify remains in testing, but Nike plans to bring the product to a wider consumer release by 2028. The company describes this as its “first-generation powered footwear system” and says it will continue refining the technology before launch. Pricing details have not yet been announced.
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