All Nike running shoes to be iPod compatible by year's end

[AppleInsider]

Nike Inc. said last week that it plans to make its entire line of running shoes compatible with Apple Inc.'s iPod nano line by the end of this year.

The comment was made Nike president and chief executive Mark Parker on Thursday as the shoe maker released its third-quarter results, saying it had a soft year with some specialty mall retailers.

The segment overall was down, according to Boston.com, with some companies like Foot Locker Inc. and Finish Line Inc. suffering from slumping sales. Nike, however, said it is poised to make major changes in retail this year with the help of leading retail partners that will build strength.

"I won't get into specific dates or executions, but you can expect to see some of these new Nike concepts at retail this calendar year," Parker said

Although the exec wouldn't disclose details, he hinted at changes to Nike's Shox and apparel lines, including plans to make all its running shoes compatible with its Nike+ technology by the end of the year.

Nike+ allows runners to track their workouts -- including distance, time and calories burned -- with Apple's line of iPod nano digital music players.

In September, Apple said that it sold over 450,000 of the Nike+iPod Sport Kits in its first three months of availability. The $30 kit includes a wireless module that fits into the sole of Nike+ running shoes and a receiver that plugs into the base of an iPod nano.

[ View this article at AppleInsider.com ]

[macFanDave]

with my Marware little pouchy thing, shoes with shoelaces are iPod+Nike compatible today!

[scooter72]

Follow these steps from DIY nation and make your own Nike+ compatible shoes. I've done this to two pair so far and it works perfectly!

http://diy-nation.blogspot.com/2007/...-footwear.html

[jpellino]

If they could integrate this to a line of cycling shoes and a wireless computer, they could sell to another growing market.

[terrillja]

Originally Posted by jpellino

If they could integrate this to a line of cycling shoes and a wireless computer, they could sell to another growing market.

Except there would be no way for the accelerometer to know the distance the bike travels, unless the system used with a wheel- based distance and speed monitor, thus not requiring a shoe sensor.

[Padilla79]

this is good stuff. now I'm kinda tempted to get myself a pair of Nike+ shoes just so I can use my ipod nano during track practice. interesting...

[wtfk]

I'd like Nike to make shoes compatible with my feet.

[MacGregor]

Originally Posted by jpellino

If they could integrate this to a line of cycling shoes and a wireless computer, they could sell to another growing market.

I'm also surprised this has taken so long. The little magnetic sensors that run bike computers would easily fit into a wireless iPod system and if anything the diagnostics of time, distance and work would be more interesting than even for running. And bike riders are used to paying top dollar for dongles and Tour De France looking gear.

[bdj21ya]

Originally Posted by terrillja

Except there would be no way for the accelerometer to know the distance the bike travels, unless the system used with a wheel- based distance and speed monitor, thus not requiring a shoe sensor.

EDIT: Thanks to terrillja's explanation listed below, I realized how entirely boneheaded this post was.

I don't know about that. The current Nike+ sensor is quite inaccurate for running distances, even after calibration, yet I still love it and use it a few times every week.

If anything a cycling sensor could easily be more accurate. It wouldn't be too hard to have a pressure sensor in a shoe that fired each time the pedal went around and then a setting in the iPod for your wheel diameter. Seems like a pretty good idea to me, although when I'm out on a bike I like to have a little more audio feedback from the world around me, but maybe that's just me. For stationary cycles, this could be a great product for people who'd like to keep track of their exercise easily. I always run on a treadmill, but still use the Nike+, just because I like to be able to easily track how many times I run and about how far/fast I'm going.

[davebarnes]

What, no Zune compatibility?
I am so disappointed. I thought that I would soon be able to go running (well, walking, in my case) and squirt tunes at others in the park.

[terrillja]

Originally Posted by bdj21ya

I don't know about that. The current Nike+ sensor is quite inaccurate for running distances, even after calibration, yet I still love it and use it a few times every week.

If anything a cycling sensor could easily be more accurate. It wouldn't be too hard to have a pressure sensor in a shoe that fired each time the pedal went around and then a setting in the iPod for your wheel diameter. Seems like a pretty good idea to me, although when I'm out on a bike I like to have a little more audio feedback from the world around me, but maybe that's just me. For stationary cycles, this could be a great product for people who'd like to keep track of their exercise easily. I always run on a treadmill, but still use the Nike+, just because I like to be able to easily track how many times I run and about how far/fast I'm going.

The problem with a bike is that you have gears, your pedaling speed varies- I think if nike comes out with a system to connect the ipod to the wheel sensor that is the best bet, a shoe sensor really has no purpose, since the wheel is the best way to gauge it.

[the cool gut]

Originally Posted by terrillja

The problem with a bike is that you have gears, your pedaling speed varies- I think if nike comes out with a system to connect the ipod to the wheel sensor that is the best bet, a shoe sensor really has no purpose, since the wheel is the best way to gauge it.

That's why they need to get G.P.S. into iPods ASAP!

[JeffDM]

Originally Posted by terrillja

The problem with a bike is that you have gears, your pedaling speed varies- I think if nike comes out with a system to connect the ipod to the wheel sensor that is the best bet, a shoe sensor really has no purpose, since the wheel is the best way to gauge it.

That's why most bike speedometers are connected to the wheels. Pedaling information is interesting info too, though I don't know if the current system can adapt to that without major changes.

[filburt]

Anyone know whether iPhone will be iPod+Nike compatible?

[quinney]

Originally Posted by MacGregor

I'm also surprised this has taken so long. The little magnetic sensors that run bike computers would easily fit into a wireless iPod system and if anything the diagnostics of time, distance and work would be more interesting than even for running. And bike riders are used to paying top dollar for dongles and Tour De France looking gear.

Originally Posted by davebarnes

What, no Zune compatibility?
I am so disappointed. I thought that I would soon be able to go running (well, walking, in my case) and squirt tunes at others in the park.

If you switch to biking you could squirt from your dongle

[bdj21ya]

Originally Posted by terrillja

The problem with a bike is that you have gears, your pedaling speed varies- I think if nike comes out with a system to connect the ipod to the wheel sensor that is the best bet, a shoe sensor really has no purpose, since the wheel is the best way to gauge it.

That's a very good point. It would be very difficult to measure, and I should have realized that.

[Denton]

Originally Posted by filburt

Anyone know whether iPhone will be iPod+Nike compatible?

Don't bet on it. I'm not sure that people would like to jun with an iPhone strapped to them -- it's a bit big for that. Perhaps when the iPhone Nano is released (supposing that Apple will expand their phone to a second version).

[Denton]

Originally Posted by scooter72

Follow these steps from DIY nation and make your own Nike+ compatible shoes. I've done this to two pair so far and it works perfectly!

http://diy-nation.blogspot.com/2007/...-footwear.html

Cutting away the foam in the heal of your shoe may not be such a good idea... like running barefoot on concrete. Fine! that's a bit of an exaggeration, but the foam is there for a reason. You should also add the disclaimer that if there is anything other than foam in there (Asics gel, for instance), you may not want to cut into it.

[SpamSandwich]

For what I consider a sub-optimal product, it's sold surprisingly well. They really need to offer several levels (as some of you have noted, GPS, etc.) of product for those willing to spend the extra bucks.

[Johnny Mozzarella]

Originally Posted by filburt

Anyone know whether iPhone will be iPod+Nike compatible?

I hope so. This is what I've been waiting for.
iPhone+Nike

[Johnny Mozzarella]

Originally Posted by Denton

Don't bet on it. I'm not sure that people would like to jun with an iPhone strapped to them -- it's a bit big for that. Perhaps when the iPhone Nano is released (supposing that Apple will expand their phone to a second version).

While the nano is definitely small, the iPhone is certainly not too huge and unweildy to run with.
Remember the Walkmans?

iPod nano
Dimensions 3.5 x 1.6 x 0.26 inch
Weight 1.41 ounces

iPhone
Dimensions 4.5 x 2.4 x 0.46 inches
Weight 4.8 ounces

[dfiler]

Yeah, I remember... it being replaced by smaller gadgets.

(Nobody* runs with a Walkman sized gadget anymore.)

*unless you want your milk money stolen

[sethwalt]

If you did want pedaling information, couldn't you put a magnet/sensor in your shoe and another one on the bike frame so they pass each other with each rotation? I used to row on a crew team, and we had a two-magnet-based device to measure how many times your seat slid back and forth so you could get stroke rates.

First post! (for whatever that's worth)

[terrillja]

Originally Posted by sethwalt

If you did want pedaling information, couldn't you put a magnet/sensor in your shoe and another one on the bike frame so they pass each other with each rotation? I used to row on a crew team, and we had a two-magnet-based device to measure how many times your seat slid back and forth so you could get stroke rates.

First post! (for whatever that's worth)

For as long as I have been cycling, I can remember using the magnet on the wheel spoke with a receiver on the fork to determine speed and distance, just the way it is I guess. Then again, Apple could come out with some new product, but as I understand it, the magnet on the spoke works well because it is quite accurate when properly calibrated, and it not obtrusive.

[sethwalt]

For as long as I have been cycling, I can remember using the magnet on the wheel spoke with a receiver on the fork to determine speed and distance, just the way it is I guess. Then again, Apple could come out with some new product, but as I understand it, the magnet on the spoke works well because it is quite accurate when properly calibrated, and it not obtrusive.

Right. That makes sense. I was just responding to JeffDM's comment about pedaling information being interesting. Why it would be interesting, I don't really know. The most cycling I've ever done was back and forth to class in Boston. Would there be a way to see how much work you're doing (versus, say, coasting) if you had speed and distance information combined with pedaling information or something?

That question was more rhetorical than anything.

[Dongoose]

Originally Posted by sethwalt

Right. That makes sense. I was just responding to JeffDM's comment about pedaling information being interesting. Why it would be interesting, I don't really know. The most cycling I've ever done was back and forth to class in Boston. Would there be a way to see how much work you're doing (versus, say, coasting) if you had speed and distance information combined with pedaling information or something?

That question was more rhetorical than anything.

Dedicated cycling computers have offered a measuement of pedal RPMs for several years now and it is commonly referred to as cadence. It can be a useful measure in specific training scenarios but, as has been alluded above, is not a good place to measure bike speed. You can roll downhill for several miles and never take a pedal stroke, yet (obviously) travel a great distance.

Probably the best all around cycling computer available now is Garmin's Edge 305...it's a GPS based unit that measures speed, distance and time as well as heart rate, eleveation change and even the percentage grade of inclines. After a ride you can download all the info into your Mac and superimpose your route on Google Maps. And in terms of work done, it does have a caloric output estimation which can tell you what kind of riding burns the most calories (though in my exerience, your legs do a pretty good job of communicating this).

The one thing it doesn't have is a music player--and it shouldn't. I love the tunes, but it's a BAD idea when it comes to bikes...and illegal in a number of states.

[k squared]

Originally Posted by SpamSandwich

For what I consider a sub-optimal product, it's sold surprisingly well. They really need to offer several levels (as some of you have noted, GPS, etc.) of product for those willing to spend the extra bucks.

Engadget or Gizmodo had a blurp on some new watches Nike's rumored to release...although I believe they will just illustrate the same info as the nano.

In addition to GPS, a heart monitor would be cool.

[johnjohn]

I can't think of anything more stupid that my running shoes needing to connect to my music player. they are shoes people. yet a third reason I have never to buy nike ( 1st: child labor/ anti fair trade, 2) all about brand not about quailty).

johnjohn

ps yes I said musicplayer ( I don't buy ipods either since they are all about brand and "cool" too) while the ui is nice, I don't do drm, apples' being one of the worst.

[emig647]

Originally Posted by johnjohn

I can't think of anything more stupid that my running shoes needing to connect to my music player. they are shoes people. yet a third reason I have never to buy nike ( 1st: child labor/ anti fair trade, 2) all about brand not about quailty).

johnjohn

ps yes I said musicplayer ( I don't buy ipods either since they are all about brand and "cool" too) while the ui is nice, I don't do drm, apples' being one of the worst.

Heh I won't even get into your drm only stuff on the iPod. There was this music format invented in 1992 called mp3... might want to look into it. Also another DRM less format invented a few years ago that goes by AAC. Yes you can buy cds and rip them to a player.

Second of all. I won't run without a Nike+iPod solution again. You are knocking it without even knowing the details.

First and formost it keeps track of distance. If you're a runner and suddenly come to a construction site or a lake on your trail, you have to change courses. Crap now what do you do? Go home? Or turn around and start running a different way since your iPod can measure how far you're running? I have hit this scenario many times.

You can't always run the same path... so rely on your ipod.

Not running as fast as last time? (thank you ipod)... run faster. Need some motivation? (thank you ipod). Not sure how you're comparing to last week's record breaker? (thank you ipod).

I have improved my running speed by almost 2 minutes a mile since I got my package. I have ran over 150 miles since I got it and love it. They are missing out on a few features but I can live without them. I don't care what 2 companies offered this package... it works and works well.

And btw... the Nike Moire shoes are the most comfortable indoor running shoes I have ever worn in my life. My main nike+ nike shoe is the Moto IV... it's great for outdoors. Very comfortable. I like New Balance too, but these nike shoes work perfectly for me.

[Denton]

Originally Posted by Johnny Mozzarella

While the nano is definitely small, the iPhone is certainly not too huge and unweildy to run with.
Remember the Walkmans?

iPod nano
Dimensions 3.5 x 1.6 x 0.26 inch
Weight 1.41 ounces

iPhone
Dimensions 4.5 x 2.4 x 0.46 inches
Weight 4.8 ounces

While I don't disagree that the iPhone is not huge, the Nano (and other similar devices) have changed the perception of what is unobtrusive for exersize. I doubt that Apple will attempt to blur the lines on this one. There is little reason for them to do so.

[JeffDM]

Originally Posted by Denton

While I don't disagree that the iPhone is not huge, the Nano (and other similar devices) have changed the perception of what is unobtrusive for exersize. I doubt that Apple will attempt to blur the lines on this one. There is little reason for them to do so.

Don't people run with their phones? I just use a treadmill so I wouldn't know, but I'd think I might use a belt clip.

[macFanDave]

Originally Posted by terrillja

The problem with a bike is that you have gears, your pedaling speed varies- I think if nike comes out with a system to connect the ipod to the wheel sensor that is the best bet, a shoe sensor really has no purpose, since the wheel is the best way to gauge it.

The problem with a bike is that you have gears, your pedaling speed varies- I think if nike comes out with a system to connect the ipod to the wheel sensor that is the best bet, a shoe sensor really has no purpose, since the wheel is the best way to gauge it.

I wonder if either of you have ever ridden a bike. You both completely ignore the distance covered by coasting! When I was a kid, the cool kids would coast and spin their pedals backwards for no reason except to look cool. Would these "shoe sensors" register negative distance?

[blingem]

Originally Posted by wtfk

I'd like Nike to make shoes compatible with my feet.

Ditto...who cares if I'm listening to an ipod but I have chronic blisters on my arch.

I'd like Nike to make shoes that explode if you try to run with a zune, too.

[emig647]

Originally Posted by blingem

Ditto...who cares if I'm listening to an ipod but I have chronic blisters on my arch.

They do make them in wider versions.

I'd like Nike to make shoes that explode if you try to run with a zune, too.

YES!!!

I wonder if either of you have ever ridden a bike. You both completely ignore the distance covered by coasting! When I was a kid, the cool kids would coast and spin their pedals backwards for no reason except to look cool. Would these "shoe sensors" register negative distance?

The only way I see this happening is if there was a sensor on the forks and front wheel. This would calculate speed, distance, avg calorie burn.

My biggest complaint about nike+ipod (though it really doesn't apply that much to me) is I'm not entirely sure if it compensates for hills on the calorie calculator. It would be nice if you could some how map out the elevation on a run and apply it.

[johnjohn]

Heh I won't even get into your drm only stuff on the iPod. There was this music format invented in 1992 called mp3... you can buy cds and rip them to a player.

Yes any music player can play drm-less formats like mp3, but the ipod/itunes structure is still based on a very aggressive drm co-relationship. Enough so that whole countries like France have thought of making it illegal.

Second of all. I won't run without a Nike+iPod solution again. You are knocking it without even knowing the details.

First and formost it keeps track of distance. If you're a runner and suddenly come to a construction site or a lake on your trail, you have to change courses. Crap now what do you do? Go home? Or turn around and start running a different way since your iPod can measure how far you're running? I have hit this scenario many times.

Yes I run, I know of the scenario you speak, but as you must know there are much better and cheaper devices for tracking distanced run, heart rate, .... bikers have had them for years ( not to mention how long the $5 pedometer has been around). Why put it in a specific show. For instance I sometimes run mountain trails other times the street. I wear different runners for each ( the New Balance mountain trail runners are great for muddy mountain paths) and don't have to worry that my shoes have a distance device in them. I can even lend out my devices to others without them being my show size.

I used the word stupid not to flame bait but more meaning that from a User Interface point of view putting devices in shoes makes no sense in the bigger scheme of things. But then again I don't think my toaster needs to talk to my refrigerator either. Or rather I don't want to pay for the extra cost of them when there are far more easier ways of doing things - to me this is identical to sneakers talking to music players. What, because I decide to get my dog out of the mud or jump into a puddle with my son or get out of my car when it gets stuck in the snow, I have to worry that my nikes my break. I am not against bluetoothing connections between sensors devices to a display ( like an ipod or even better a watch - which is what I have) that makes sense. But doing it in a expensive/ ridiculous way because nike is like so cool (or whatever brand bs you want to put in) for me doesn't make sense

[tdnc101]

I would disagree with you johnjohn. I have a library of over 9,000 songs all in iTunes as well as two ipods. Not a single song is DRMed.

iTunes still functions regularly. It gets me album artwork for my songs, keeps 'em organized, and so forth. DRM is only involved if you buy through iTunes, as it is with any music player and music store combined solution (only real online exceptions are smaller label supported like eMusic, but again there aren't specific players to go along with this).


EDIT: What music solution allows for puchase and has an integrated mp3 player? Or what do you use?

[icfireball]

Nike + iPod system actually works pretty well. And you don't need the Nike shoes. No serious runner actually buys Nike shoes. If you're a serious runner, your much better off with asics, mizunos, or brooks.