Nike Unveils the Adapt BB Self-Lacing Basketball Sneaker
add to the self-lacing legacy of the , modifying and improving the power-lacing system for basketball with . Integrating smartphone connectivity into the design, the sneaker is powered with the FitAdapt app, which lets you update firmware and customise fits.
‘We picked basketball as the first sport for Nike Adapt intentionally because of the demands that athletes put on their shoes,’ says Eric Avar, Nike VP Creative Director of Innovation. ‘During a normal basketball game the athlete’s foot changes and the ability to quickly change your fit by loosening your shoe to increase blood flow and then tighten again for performance is a key element that we believe will improve the athlete’s experience.’
The Nike Adapt BB has an inbuilt custom motor and gear train, which senses the tension needed by the foot and adjusts the fit accordingly. The player can then use FitAdapt — via the two buttons at the midsole or with a smartphone — to save different fit settings for use during specific situations, whether that be warm-ups, timeouts, walking into the stadium, or deep into the fourth quarter.
The upper is made with a high-tenacity Flyknit shell and a QuadFit mesh inner shell for improved snugness and adaptability. Pairs will also come with a special charging mat — a full-charge cycle reportedly lasting 10-14 days.
‘That the app allows the ability to put the shoe on and touch the button, change the colours, see the percentage on the battery… it’s just cool,’ says Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics young gun.
