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Craze Continues: Nike Intros iPod Shoe Jay Wrolstad, toptechnews.com
Fri Jul 14, 12:13 PM ET


Nike is off and running with its iPod shoe, providing joggers real-time feedback on distance, time, and calories burned during a workout, as well as the tunes to keep them moving.

The Nike+iPod Sport Kit, listing for US$29 and available from Apple, is designed specifically for the Nike+ footwear line and is touted as the first in a line of collaborative projects between the two companies.

A sensor and receiver embedded in the shoe provide a wireless link to the iPod, with workout information stored on the device and displayed on the screen. Runners receive audible feedback through the headphones, and data stored on the Nano can be downloaded to a Mac or PC after a run.

Nike's Air Zoom Moire+ and Nike Air Zoom+, are the first offerings in a line of Nike+iPod shoes being introduced by the sports-apparel giant. This iPod incranation also marks another step in Apple's continued efforts to draw new users to its popular mobile-entertainment devices.

The Nike+iPod system delivers music and commentary to help joggers make it through their workouts. Nike is offering workout-related podcasts that include advice from marathon runner Alberto Salazar and inspiration from bicycling champion Lance Armstrong.

This fall, Nike plans to unveil six additional footwear styles designed to hold the iPod sensor, an down the road you can expect a collection of jackets, tops, shorts, and armbands designed for the Nike+iPod Sport Kit.

Brand Recognition

"What's cool about the Apple-Nike announcement is that the iPod is now an application platform for personal information," said Ted Schadler, a Forrester Research analyst, in a blog posting. "It could always store contacts and photos. But now it can log your miles, calories, and exercise time."

With the Nike deal, Apple has locked up another major brand, Schadler noted. "It started with BMW putting iPods in cars. Now Nike, the biggest brand in sports apparel, is in Apple's marketing team. Companies now understand that Apple is a good partner for commercial ventures."

Wearable Tech

Wearable technology continues to evolve, with Apple being among several companies offering new products for an increasingly connected society. Earlier this year, Levi Strauss introduced a new line of jeans specifically geared toward iPod users. The $200 trousers come complete with headphones, a joystick, and even a docking cradle.

In addition, apparel maker Burton got a lot of attention during the Winter Olympics with its Bluetooth-enabled snowboard jackets featuring padded casings for cell phones and MP3 players, removable speakers in the hood, and built-in control pads on the sleeves.

The Sport Kit requires a Nike+ shoe and a iPod nano with a USB 2.0 port and Mac OS X version 10.3.9 or later and iTunes 6.0.5. It also works with a PC running Windows 2000, XP Home or Professional (SP2) and iTunes 6.0.5.