Oct 24, 2025 10:36:00

Nike unveils its first electric footwear, 'Project Amplify,' which is a shoe version of an electric bicycle and advertises it as a 'second calf muscle'

On October 23, 2025 local time, Nike announced Project Amplify, the world's first electric footwear for running and walking.

Nike Unveils Project Amplify, the World's First Powered Footwear System for Running and Walking — NIKE, Inc.

https://about.nike.com/en/newsroom/releases/nike-project-amplify-official-images

Nike says its first 'powered footwear' is like an e-bike for your feet | The Verge
https://www.theverge.com/news/805664/nike-powered-show-project-amplify

'Project Amplify' is powered footwear designed to help everyday athletes run faster and farther with less effort. Engineered to enhance natural lower leg and ankle motion, Project Amplify redefines what's possible by providing an unparalleled boost for anyone who wants to move, creating a new future for running, jogging, and walking.

Project Amplify is built on motion algorithms provided by the Nike Sport Research Lab and consists of a lightweight, powerful motor, drive belt, rechargeable cuff battery, etc. This robotic system is seamlessly integrated into a carbon fiber-plated running shoe, which can be worn without the robotic system.

Project Amplify makes it easier for athletes to walk or run for longer periods of time, allowing them to extend their walking commute or run an extra kilometre.

Nike explains Project Amplify as follows: 'Just as electric bicycles revolutionized urban commuting by making it easier to ride farther and more frequently, Nike is focusing on athletes who ride at a 10- to 12-minute per mile pace to make slow running, jogging and walking easier and more enjoyable.'

The first generation of Project Amplify was developed in collaboration with Nike partner

Dephy and is not designed for competitive runners looking to shave time, but rather to help runners who want to run faster and further with less effort by adding more power to everyday movements. Nike described Project Amplify as 'a second calf muscle.'

Nike Sport Research Lab tested over 400 athletes of all abilities and strengths, walking over 2.4 million steps (approximately 12,000 laps around a 200-meter track) using over nine different versions of Project Amplify hardware. Each version of Project Amplify allowed Nike to refine different aspects of the system.

The subjects reported that Project Amplify felt like a part of their body, that walking or running uphill felt like running on flat ground, and that they could run a mile in 12 minutes, but by wearing Project Amplify, they could run a mile in 10 minutes.

While Project Amplify is still in the testing phase, the company says it plans to release the electric footwear to a wide range of consumers within the next few years.