Nike is always on the lookout for new ways to make shoes and materials. The latest innovation from the company is called Flyprint and it is hailed as the first 3D printed textile upper for performance footwear. Flyprint uppers are made using solid deposit modeling (SDM). The process uses a TPU filament that is unwound from a coil, melted, and laid down in layers.
Collaborations with premium sneaker brands have become a hot trend in recent years, and it appears the gaming industry is getting in on it. Microsoft has revealed a set of limited edition Xbox One X consoles with designs inspired by some of the most iconic shoes of all time — the Air Jordans. These systems won't be easy to come by, of course, much like the latest Air Jordan releases, but they look amazing to gamers and sneaker fans.
Back in November, Nike introduced a new feature for NikePlus members called NikePlus Unlocks. Over the weekend Nike announced that a new batch of these benefits have started rolling out to members, giving them a way to get rewarded for their workouts and more. The benefits come from Nike partners, among them being Apple and the folks behind the meditation app Headspace.
If sneakers and video games are your thing, get ready for a product collaboration made in heaven. NBA player Paul George of the Oklahoma City Thunder has created his second signature basketball shoe with Nike, the PG2, and it's an official collaboration with Sony's PlayStation brand. George himself claims he's one of the biggest gamers in the NBA, and his new sneaker is designed to reflect that by taking inspiration from the iconic PlayStation design and colors.
While there are a myriad different designs and variations of Android Wear smartwatches, the message and market for the Apple Watch is a tad simpler. There really is only one model (per generation) and countless straps to go along with it. Apple often partners with other brands to make that happen, like Nike for its sports-oriented styles. So it's really no surprise that, with the arrival of the Apple Watch 3 series comes a new Midnight Fog Apple Watch 3 designed to match the upcoming Nike Midnight Fog Air VaporMax running shoes.
You don't have a third gen Apple Watch yet and are still mulling over buying it. If you're any type of sports buff and swear by Nike's philosophy, then the athletic brand's Nike+ app may have just given you a few reasons. The Nike+ Run Club app has just gotten a major feature boost and while many of those can be enjoyed on any old Apple Watch, for best results, you might want to get an Apple Watch 3 instead.
With anything and everything becoming “smart” or, at the very least, getting connected to the Internet, there is no shortage of jokes about which thing will get smart next. Yes, that includes underwear. Don’t worry, this new “connected jersey” collab between the NBA and Nike isn’t yet at that level of absurdity. Because at the end of the day, the Nike NBA Jersey with NikeConnect is nothing but a fancy, and perhaps unnecessary, gimmick to quickly take you to your favorite team’s stats.
Nike's HyperAdapt self-tightening shoes that went on sale months ago are back again, though they're not terribly easy to get ahold of. These shoes are billed as futuristic kicks, ones that sport technology that causes the laces to tighten themselves. You probably only want to grab these shoes if you're a collector or you have money to burn, as they're priced at a cool $720. If that doesn't deter you, there are select places around the world where you can try to get a pair.
It wasn't that too long ago, just last month in fact, when Nike announced a fresh new Apple Watch from its NikeLab collection. Pushing its partnership with Apple, it is pushing out new bands for the Apple Watch Nike+ series. These bands, however, have a special trait, aside from their rugged good looks. They are designed to match the color and style of its new line of Air VaporMax running shoes which, in turn, are designed to match the colors of the sky from "Day to Night".
When it comes to the iPhone 7, owners have a near limitless selection of cases for their device. But for die-hard sneakerheads, there might now be a single option. Nike has announced a pair of hard-shell cases for the iPhone 7 that feature the sole designs of the Roshe and Air Force 1, two of the company's most iconic sneakers. They only come in iPhone 7 sizes, unfortunately, but their plastic material promises to offer decent drop and scratch protection.
There isn't much variety in the Apple Watch world, which isn't surprising considering Apple dictates what and what doesn't qualify as an Apple Watch. But what it lacks in other form factors or designs it makes up for in styles, branding, and limited edition models. Last year, Apple hooked up with Nike to show that the Apple Watch isn't just a fashion statement but also a runner's best friend. This year it is doing so again but with a more muted style. Unlike the Apple Watch Nike+ and its neon highlights, this limited edition Apple Watch NikeLab embraces a less glaring appearance while keeping the same features that runners and marathoners loved.
Last fall, Nike unveiled their HyperAdapt sneakers, a pair of honest-to-god self-lacing shoes. Unfortunately they sold for a little over $700, placing them far out of reach for average consumers. However, DIYer Vimal Patel has shown that with a little ingenuity, you can make your own self-lacing shoes powered by Lego. They don't even have to be Nikes!