The Self-Lacing Nike HyperAdapt 1.0

Nostalgic Gen X'ers can keep their Mags, Nike just unveiled the HyperAdapt 1.0 – the company's first serious foray into self-lacing technology that looks and sounds cooler than any sci-fi movie could dream up! The result of Nike and Tinker Hatfield's exploration of adaptive lacing systems to provide the ultimate customisable fit for athletes, the finished product is a stunning combination of Nike's beautiful design aesthetics seamlessly integrated with new innovative technology.

Powered by an underfoot-lacing system that was the result of Nike Senior Innovator Tiffany Beers' work on the 2016 version of the Mag, the HyperAdapt allows athletes to make micro-adjustments with foot lockdown on the fly. “When you step in, your heel will hit a sensor and the system will automatically tighten,” Beers explains, “Then there are two buttons on the side to tighten and loosen. You can adjust it until it’s perfect.”

While Tinker still considers the new shoe as the early stages of showing the true potential of adaptive lacing systems, the possibility of where the HyperAdapt 1.0 might lead for wearable technology could set the tone for performance footwear for years to come. “Wouldn’t it be great if a shoe, in the future, could sense when you needed to have it tighter or looser? Could it take you even tighter than you’d normally go if it senses you really need extra snugness in a quick maneuver? That’s where we’re headed. In the future, product will come alive.”

We've been not-so-patiently waiting for Nike's new technology to be unveiled as we get closer to the 2016 Olympics – traditionally a platform to launch new design and products – and it looks like the HyperAdapt 1.0 is only one of many exciting announcements today. As the sneaker wars continue to heat up, 2016 is already proving to be a watershed year for new construction techniques and innovative technology from all of the big players. From to adidas' , this really is an exciting time for sneakerheads. And we're only in March!

The Nike HyperAdapt 1.0 will be available to Nike+ members beginning Holiday 2016. Head to Nike News for more information.