Kristian Ferrell
In 2019, Nike launched its first self-lacing basketball shoes, the Adapt BB, which uses a lacing system technology called Fit Adapt. The shoes can be controlled manually by pushing a button on the shoe or via a smartphone app. The Adapt BB is the first mass-scale deployment of the Fit Adapt system, which seeks to improve stability and prolong athletes' careers. The shoes are designed to provide a truly customized fit for every basketball player and can withstand 32 pounds of force, roughly equal to a standard parachute cord.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Brand | Nike |
| Model | Adapt BB |
| Type | Self-lacing basketball shoe |
| Target audience | People with accessibility issues, basketball players |
| Features | Wireless charging, remembers preferences, analyzes athletic performance, waterproof, Bluetooth connectivity |
| App features | Change colours, check battery percentage |
| Sound | Makes a sound when tightening |
| Price | $720 |
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What You'll Learn
- The shoe's lacing system, Fit Adapt, can be controlled manually or with a smartphone app
- The shoes are made of a dense textile called Quadfit mesh, which is tightened with high-tensile parachute cord
- The Adapt BB is the first mass-scale deployment of the Fit Adapt system
- The shoes are waterproof and have been tested for durability and safety
- The shoes are charged wirelessly and can be updated via a digital app
The shoe's lacing system, Fit Adapt, can be controlled manually or with a smartphone app
The Nike Adapt BB basketball shoe is the world's first self-lacing basketball shoe. The shoe's lacing system, Fit Adapt, can be controlled manually or with a smartphone app. This system is designed to improve stability and prolong athletes' careers. The Fit Adapt system is an engineering challenge as it seeks to integrate smart footwear technology that will charge wirelessly, remember user preferences, and analyze athletic performance.
The Fit Adapt system can be controlled via a smartphone app, allowing users to tighten and loosen their shoes remotely. This is made possible by the shoe's Bluetooth connectivity. The app also allows users to change the color of the shoes and view the battery percentage. The app is a valuable feature as it provides a digital interface for users to interact with their shoes, access firmware updates, and achieve the perfect fit.
In addition to the app, the Fit Adapt system can also be controlled manually. The shoes feature a small grip at the back, aiding users in putting them on. A capacitive sensor detects the pressure of the foot and engages the motor to activate the lacing system. This manual option is particularly useful for individuals with accessibility issues or limited dexterity in their hands.
The Fit Adapt system in the Nike Adapt BB basketball shoes offers a unique combination of manual and app-controlled lacing adjustments, showcasing the innovative engineering and user-centric design that went into creating these smart sneakers.
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The shoes are made of a dense textile called Quadfit mesh, which is tightened with high-tensile parachute cord
The world's first self-lacing basketball shoes, Nike's Adapt BB, are made of a dense textile called Quadfit mesh. This material is designed to handle quick lateral movements without overstretching, ensuring that the shoe adapts to an athlete's feet in real-time. The mesh is tightened not by conventional laces but by high-tensile parachute cords, providing a secure fit that can accommodate the natural swelling and expansion of the foot during a basketball game. This innovative design moves away from traditional lacing systems, offering a unique and modern approach to footwear.
Quadfit mesh is a significant advancement in the quest for the perfect fit, providing both comfort and stability for athletes. It is concealed beneath a layer of Flyknit fabric, contributing to the overall durability and flexibility of the shoe. This combination of materials ensures that the shoe can withstand the demands of intense basketball movements while maintaining its integrity.
The high-tensile parachute cord used in the self-lacing mechanism is a crucial component. Its strength and flexibility allow for a dynamic fit that can be adjusted with the touch of a button. The cord's ability to tighten securely contributes to a locked-in feel, enhancing the overall stability of the shoe. This feature is especially beneficial for athletes who require a precise and adaptable fit to support their performance.
The design of the self-lacing system also considers the aesthetic aspect, as the tightening of the shoe is accompanied by the playing of a musical note. This sensory experience adds to the overall appeal of the shoe, creating a unique connection between the wearer and their footwear.
The materials and technology used in the world's first self-lacing basketball shoes showcase Nike's innovative approach to sports equipment, combining performance, comfort, and style. The use of Quadfit mesh and high-tensile parachute cord is a significant step forward in the evolution of athletic footwear, paving the way for future advancements in the industry.
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The Adapt BB is the first mass-scale deployment of the Fit Adapt system
Nike's Adapt BB is the first mass-scale deployment of the Fit Adapt system. The Adapt BB is a self-lacing basketball shoe that can be controlled via a digital app. The app allows users to put on the shoe, change colours, and view the battery percentage. The shoe also features wireless charging, memory functionality, and athletic performance analysis.
The Adapt BB is the successor to the HyperAdapt 1.0, which was released in 2016 as a limited run. The HyperAdapt 1.0 was the first Nike multipurpose performance sneaker to feature power lacing, but it was bulkier and more expensive. The Adapt BB is a completely new design that forgoes traditional laces and instead offers Bluetooth connectivity, allowing users to tighten and loosen their shoes from their phones.
The development of the Adapt BB was driven by the need to create a fit solution that could adapt to an athlete's feet in real time during a basketball game, where foot swelling and expansion can occur. The shoe features a layer of Flyknit fabric that hides an upper made of Quadfit mesh, a dense textile that can handle quick lateral movements without overstretching. The Fit Adapt system ensures a secure and comfortable fit.
Nike conducted extensive testing of the Adapt BB to ensure its durability and safety. The tests included real-world trials with various athletes and lab tests simulating thousands of impact and impulse cycles. The shoes are also waterproof, making them suitable for outdoor use in various moisture environments.
The Adapt BB offers a unique and innovative experience, with the shoe tightening simultaneously as a note is played. While the sound may be polarizing, it has resonated with many people, creating a sensual experience. The Adapt BB is more than just a shoe; it represents the future of smart footwear, combining fashion and technology to enhance comfort, stability, and athletic performance.
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The shoes are waterproof and have been tested for durability and safety
The world's first self-lacing basketball shoes, Nike's Adapt BB, are waterproof and have been thoroughly tested for durability and safety. The shoes were designed to be worn by basketball players, who are likely to be jumping around and generating heat on top of lithium-ion batteries. To ensure the shoes do not crack under the weight of a basketball player, they were put through "hours and hours" of testing. This testing involved two parts: a real-world test on athletes and a lab test. The lab test included thousands of impact and impulse cycles, during which water was attempted to be seeped into the lace engine, which is sealed shut. The real-world test involved a variety of athletes, from NCAA athletes to professional basketball players, who worked out and played pick-up games in the shoes. The shoes were also sent to Nike World Headquarters, where NBA all-stars like Boston Celtics' small forward, Jayson Tatum, tested them out and provided feedback for future design innovations.
The waterproof nature of the shoes means they are safe to wear outside in rainy weather or in "any moisture environment". This feature, along with the extensive testing, ensures that the shoes are durable and safe for athletes to use in various conditions without worrying about the technology inside the shoes getting damaged.
The self-lacing technology in the Adapt BB shoes is a significant step forward in sports footwear, providing a "truly customized fit" for athletes. The lacing system, called Fit Adapt, allows players to adjust the tightness of the shoes according to their preferences and even loosen them during timeouts. This technology is especially beneficial for individuals with accessibility issues, such as those with limited dexterity in their hands due to age, injury, or other reasons.
Overall, the Nike Adapt BB shoes represent a fusion of fashion and technology, offering both a stylish design and innovative features that cater to the needs of athletes and individuals with accessibility challenges.
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The shoes are charged wirelessly and can be updated via a digital app
Nike's self-lacing Adapt BB basketball shoes are charged wirelessly and can be updated via a digital app. The shoes are equipped with lithium-ion batteries, which can be charged wirelessly, removing the need for traditional charging methods and ensuring convenience for users. This wireless charging capability is a significant step forward in footwear technology, offering a seamless and efficient way to power smart shoes.
The digital app that accompanies the shoes offers a range of features and functionalities. Users can customize their shoe-tying experience by adjusting the tightness of the shoes through the app, ensuring a perfect fit every time. This feature is especially useful for athletes, as it allows them to make quick adjustments on the go, providing a comfortable and secure fit during basketball games or workouts.
The app also enables users to change the colors of the shoes, providing a level of customization and personal expression. This feature adds to the overall user experience, allowing wearers to match their shoes to their outfits or express their individual style. The app shows the battery percentage, helping users stay on top of their battery life and ensuring they don't run out of power unexpectedly.
Moreover, the digital app provides firmware updates for the shoes. This means that the Nike Adapt BB shoes are the first continually updated performance product by Nike. Through these updates, users can access the latest features, improvements, and enhancements for their shoes, ensuring they stay up-to-date and perform optimally. The combination of wireless charging and digital updates showcases Nike's commitment to innovation and creating a seamless experience for its users.
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Frequently asked questions
The world's first self-lacing basketball shoes are called the Nike Adapt BB.
The shoes feature a lacing system technology called Fit Adapt. The laces can be controlled manually by pushing a button on the shoe or via a smartphone app.
The Nike Adapt BB has a layer of Flyknit fabric that hides an upper made of Quadfit mesh, a dense textile that handles quick lateral movements without overstretching.
The shoes make a muted purring sound when the laces are engaged. Some people might not like the sound, but others may enjoy it.
The Nike Adapt BB is designed for basketball players, with the ability to provide a "truly customized fit". The shoes can also be beneficial for people with accessibility issues who lack dexterity in their hands.
