Nike Unveils ‘Project Amplify‘ – Battery-Powered Shoes Aim to Boost Walking and Running
October 28, 2025 – Nike has revealed a prototype of a battery-powered shoe, dubbed ‘project Amplify,’ designed to assist users with propulsion while walking and running. Developed in collaboration with robotics startup Defy, the shoes utilize a motor and carbon fiber plates to amplify leg and ankle movements.
Nike describes the technology as “assisting the user’s walking and running, as if adding a second calf muscle.” The system comprises a calf-worn ‘cuff’ containing a rechargeable battery and running shoes equipped with a lightweight motor.Sensors detect movement and provide a boost with each foot strike, also aiming to reduce impact.
Early testing indicates a potential improvement in movement efficiency of approximately 20%, potentially reducing a 10-minute walk to 8 minutes. Athletes testing the prototype have reported a natural feel, with some stating it “feels like a part of my body” and enables easier uphill walking.
Nike compares the shoes to electric bicycles, offering assistance for easier and more enjoyable movement. An official from GQ magazine described the experience as “like taking an escalator instead of stairs.”
The company emphasizes that Project Amplify is intended for general runners seeking to go farther with less effort, rather than elite athletes pursuing record-breaking performance.
Currently in the testing phase, Nike anticipates a consumer launch for Project Amplify in 2028. Initial reactions to product photos released on Instagram have been mixed, ranging from excitement about potential benefits for seniors and individuals with disabilities to concerns about increasing reliance on technology.
