Nike x Hyperice Create a Self-Massaging Boot for Athletes
From the invention of to the self-lacing tech that came to life in 2015, have always been known for their boundary-pushing innovation; however, they have been receiving criticism in the past few years for a lack of investment in new technology. In the face of this, they have just announced their most recent wearable technology: a high-top shoe designed for athlete recovery.
The boot was created in partnership with fitness tech brand Hyperice, who specialise in recovery tech for both elite athletes and everyday people who want to take their fitness to the next level. The Nike x Hyperice boot is designed specifically for athletes though, with the aim to provide an accessible option for high-performance warm-up and recovery. It does this by offering heat therapy and a dynamic air-compression massage on the feet and ankles that delivers heat deep into the muscle and tissue. This allows the feet and ankles to already be in a warmed-up state before the athlete begins their usual warm-up routine. Alternatively, it provides an easy way to offer heat therapy for injuries.
‘Recovery is an important part of any athlete’s journey, but we’re hearing from athletes that this concept of “pre-covery” is equally as important,’ says Tobie Hatfield, Senior Director, Nike Athlete Innovation. ‘The footwear and vest that we’ve developed with Hyperice help get the body ready for activity, whether you’re playing for a title or you’re on your feet a lot at work.’
The boot is accompanied by a vest that provides both hot and cold therapy to assist the athlete in reaching the optimal performance temperature more effectively and also to maintain it throughout different conditions (i.e., if an athlete warms up for performance but then has to go into an environment that would rapidly cool their body down).
Lebron James has given his approval for Nike’s new tech: ‘From the moment I tried the Nike x Hyperice boots and vest while they were still in development more than a year ago, I knew they were going to change the game for athletes’ warm-up and recovery.’
The Nike x Hyperice boot and vest are to be released at a later date; however, they are currently being used by Nike athletes and the brands are gathering feedback to further improve the products.