Filed under: iPod Family, Apple
All Nikes running shoes to be Nike + iPod compatible by year end
The Nike + iPod sports kit has been a success. Many runners love the idea of their iPod not only pumping out the sweet jams as they run, but also helping to track their progress as well as keep them motivated. Sadly, the number of shoes that officially support the Nike + iPod is rather limited (the kit includes a small sensor that is inserted into the running shoe). Lucky, Nike has recently announced that they plan to offer support for the Nike + iPod sport kit in all their running shoes by the end of the year.If only they would license the technology to other companies, then this would really take off (I'm a New Balance 992 man myself).
[via iLounge]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Mat Lu said 1:31PM on 3-26-2007
Well, maybe other companies can't officially support it, but what's to stop them from adding, say, a "key pocket" that just happens to fit the Nike+iPod sensor? And of course you can always add one of those third party things that hooks onto your laces.
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Andrew said 3:00PM on 3-26-2007
I wish Apple would add Nike support to the 5G and 5.5G iPods.
I know the Nano is small and makes sense for this but I have a 5G and would pay for the adapter but can't justify paying for a Nano just to work out with.
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CraigF said 2:52PM on 3-26-2007
I think Nike+iPod is limited to the Nano because it's the only flash-based iPod with a screen.
I'm sure Apple doesn't want to encourage people to run with a hard drive-based iPod.
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Toastmaster General said 2:54PM on 3-26-2007
running with hard drive = dead hard drive
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blinkcowz182 said 3:00PM on 3-26-2007
I use my iPod on a treadmill and the iPod lays stationary in a cup holder. Maybe I'm the exception but it sure would be nice to have.
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Daniel said 5:11PM on 3-26-2007
There are many products and DIY mods that let you use the Nike+iPod Sport Kit with any shoe. No need to wish for other shoe companies to support it.
http://podophile.com/2006/11/30/nike-ipod-shoe-hack-and-sensor-accessory-round-up/
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Charles said 3:46PM on 3-26-2007
This is technically impossible, some Nike shoes have no room to fit the sensor under the foot. The Nike Free shoes have extremely thin soles, they're intended to simulate running barefoot. Putting a sensor in the sole would be like running with a big flat pebble taped to the bottom of your foot.
I'm thinking of switching from my New Balance 881 shoes to the Nike Free, as I've developed some ankle problems. There's a new theory that modern running shoes have too much cushioning, so your heel sinks too low and you develop Achilles tendon and joint problems. The suggested solution is to run in shoes like a "racing flat" that have almost no cushioning and no support, so your foot develops the strength to support itself.
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Stealth43 said 4:26PM on 3-26-2007
You? Run? Hawaiian t-shirt and all? Down Locust walk? This I'd pay to see!
Just Kidding Scott. We kid because we love ;)
evaD
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Karl said 4:44PM on 3-26-2007
I like New Balance shoes too. My new Nikes just don't fit right.
A few months back, I emailed NB about adding a sensor slot to their shoes; their response was one if disinterest. However, when I pointed them to reports about how many SportKits and shoes Apple and Nike were selling, and how many people were taking the Dremel to their NBs, their interest seemed piqued. Maybe if enough of us let them know they're interested, they'll consider it.
Here's their contact form: http://www.newbalance.com/contactus/
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Ryan said 5:27PM on 3-26-2007
I've been using the Marware Sportsuit Sensor+ (terrible name) for a month or so, now, and it works like a charm. No need to dremel your shoes.
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Scott said 6:03PM on 3-26-2007
It's silly to think that you need a special shoe to hold the sensor. It's just not true. You can use any shoe or boot on the market. Just use, as others have noted, Marware Sportsuit Sensor, or some other holder. Really, duck tape would work. You don't need a special hole. I've been running in my Balance shoes since the first week the Nike+ came out. I started with a small slice in the fabric, and then upgraded to Marware's sack once it came out.
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Scott McNulty said 6:16PM on 3-26-2007
Stealth43, I implied that I run, but I really don't. :) I do, however, go to the gym 4-5 times a week and do the elliptical which counts I think. :) Oh, and I walk around lots (Hawaiian shirts and all!).
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Louis Hamerman said 10:26PM on 3-26-2007
i couldn't find a nike shoe i liked so at first i used some velcro and stuck my sensor under my laces. then i got the marware pouch. I would buy a nike shoe if i could find one i liked. my new balance shoes are even more pricey than the nike + shoes. the nice thing about the pouch is that when i'm done running i can slip the pouch out and keep wearing my shoes around town. i'm wondering when we will see a heart rate monitor sensor or a bike sensor. i'd also like to see some additional software inprovements like a built in interval timer.
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Andy said 12:51AM on 3-27-2007
Like a number of comments, I just wanted to add that any small key pouch seems to work with the sensor. I bought a pair of Adidas just before the Nike+ came out, and rather than spend another $100+, I bought a small pouch that clips on to the laces and it works fine. As it says in the link that Daniel posted, put some tissue in to keep the sensor from bouncing around if there is extra room in the pouch.
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Dave said 9:02AM on 3-27-2007
I second (or third, or fourth at this point) that you absolutely do not need the Nike+ shoe to use the system ... I use a Nike shoe wallet on my Asics (though I admit, I like the look of the Nike+ shoes, and almost splurged ...)
#4: While purchasing a Nano may be expensive, it's a lot cheaper than replacing your 5G when you kill the HD bouncing up and down on pavement ... ask my wife.
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ryan said 7:19AM on 3-28-2007
Just get a lacelid, 5 bucks, +1 for shipping. works like a champ. no need to get new shoes, unless you want them. like others said ducktape would work fine too. just need to keep the sensor from moving around and have it face up.
http://lacelid.com/
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