Wireless Wednesday for 2/26/14: With Mitch Evans - High Tech Shoes and the Oscars
On the heels of Nike Announcing self-tying laces last week, and tons of new shoes introduced so far in 2014, shoes have gone high tech with tech accessories and the shoes themselves.
Have a listen:
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1. Nike's Marty McFly's self-tying sneaker will hit the streets next year to mark the 30th anniversary of Back to the Future
Nike has announced the power-laces that tightened up Marty McFly's hi-tops in Back to the Future Part II will become a reality by 2015.
The character played by Michael J Fox in the 1985 installment of the trilogy sported a pair of Nike trainers as he skateboarded around Hill Valley.
But when the time-travelling teenager arrives 30 years in the future in Part II, released in 1989, the brand had made a few changes.
Fans of the film gawked at the grey trainers that automatically tightened and adjusted to fit his feet.
But it was the self-trying "power laces" that made cinema-goers gasp and the fantasy footwear became part of cinema history.
Until now.
Designer Tinker Hatfield has confirmed the power laces will arrive to mark the 30th anniversary of Back to the Future and the year the second film was set in.
Speaking to Sole Collector at the Jordan Brand Flight Lab in New Orleans, Hatfield said: "Are we gonna see power laces in 2015?
"To that I say yes!"
Hatfield has not revealed what shoe the power laces will come with yet.
In 2011, Nike created 1,500 limited edition pairs of the MAG hi-tops, an exact replica of Marty's trainers, and each pair was auctioned on eBay.
2. Nike Hyperdunk
Cost $190 and hit stores last year. The first training shoes that work on the Nike+ system will be the Lunar Hyper Workout+ for women and the Lunar TR 1+ for men.
The Nike Hyperdunk iD Basketball Shoe features Dynamic Flywire for support and super-lightweight Lunarlon cushioning tuned specifically for basketball. Customize yours with glow-in-the-dark features, a can't-miss midsole graphic and an outsole to match your playing surface.
Flywire
Flywire helps provide ultra-lightweight support and comfort for your foot. It gets its strength from thin nylon fibers strategically placed on the upper of the shoe to hold the foot in place, helping to reduce slippage during activity. This allows for a massive reduction in weight because material is used only where it’s needed for structure
3. New Balance Now Makes Golf Shoes
New Balance Minimus - $99.95
New Balance Golf shoes are back in a minimal package. These golf shoes feature a new dual density molded spikeless outsole for superior traction and a REVlite midsole for lightweight cushioning. The New Balance NBG1001 Minimus Sport features a water resistant mesh upper with a new supportive stability cage. The NB Minimus Golf 1001 is believed to be the lightest golf shoe on the market today. Colors: Light Grey + Lime Green + Black
4. High Tech Adidas running shoes-
Adidas Energy Boost -$150
Adidas launched this shoe with Energy Boost cushioning material,it was with a star-studded press event that boasted of “a revolution in running” and of “changing running forever.” The new, high-tech material replaces the industry-standard EVA foam that makes up the shoe’s midsole. According to the company, Boost foam, which is made with tiny “energy capsules,” both cushions your foot on the down stride and provides a “maximum energy return” giving you a, um, boost that should improve performance. It’s also supposed to last longer without wearing down, and is temperature-resistant.
5. High Tech casual shoes
InStep Nanopower- create energy as you walk
I'm shocked that scientists have not thought of this before, but they are finally here: the InStep Nanopower Shoes that create electricity while you walk. Using liquid metal, the shoes can create about 10 to 20 watts of power.
The best part is that you can use that power to charge some of the technological gadgets that you have on you all the time, like your cell phone and iPod.
Researchers Tom Krupkin and J. Ashley Taylor at UW-Madison have been working on the InStep Nanopower Shoes using a process called reverse electrowetting.
The way these shoes work is simple: liquid metal is stored in pouches located in the heel and sole of the shoe and as you walk, you start pumping nano-sized drops of the metal through tiny channels, creating electricity. The electricity is stored in a battery at the center of the shoe, which you can then use to charge whatever you may need.
App of the Week - Official Oscars App
Rick won't be watching, many will be - Probably Wendy....
The Oscars are back! Get the official Oscars app for iPhone, iPad, iTouch, Android devices and Kindle Fire to stay up-to-date on all things leading up to the 85th Academy Awards. During Oscar season, access complete nominee lists, trailers, buzz worthy videos, photos, news, Red Carpet, backstage, and more.