Nike has filed a patent at the World Intellectual Property Organisation for what it describes as an ‘automatic lacing system’. As online buzz builds up, a number of posts have linked the shoes to those worn by Michael J in the 1989 film Back to the Future II.
The Nike patent submission describes the shoes:
‘An article of footwear with an automatic lacing system is disclosed. The automatic lacing system provides a set of straps that can be automatically opened and closed to switch between a loosened and tightened position of the upper. The article further includes an automatic ankle cinching system that is configured to automatically adjust an ankle portion of the upper.’
Powered by what appears to be a power pack within the shoe, they would automatically tighten themselves around the foot when a button on the side of the shoe is pressed.
It is unlikely that triathletes will be able to benefit from auto lacing during T1 for the foreseeable future. If ever commercialised, the shoes would likely take a lifestyle positioning.
Nike has confirmed the patent but notes that the company files thousands of patents and relatively few reach commercial development. (The patent itself was originally filed in April 2009.)
