Nike releases Marty McFly's auto-lacing shoes to the joy of geeks everywhere
If you ever wanted to have shoes like Marty McFly in the second Back to the Future movie, now's your chance!
By Elizabeth Fish | PC World | Published: 16:00, 09 September 2011
Just over a year ago, GeekTech covered a DIY project that recreated the self-lacing shoes that Marty McFly wore in Back to the Future Part 2. Around the same time, Nike filed a patent for shoes that "provide a set of straps that can be automatically opened and closed to switch between a loosened and tightened position of the upper".
Now, it looks like the real thing is here in the Nike Air Mag.
According to Nike's release, the bottom of the shoes are lined with LED lighting panels, while the rest is made of reinforced mesh.
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They are also rechargable, and the lights will last for five hours before needing another charge. Nike's logo, placed on the ankle strap, is described as "electroluminescent".
In essence, Nike is going for a near replica of the shoes Marty McFly wore. Even better: Nike will donate all net proceeds to the Michael. J. Fox Foundation, a charity aimed toward fighting and curing Parkinson's disease.
But if you want a pair, you'll have to act quickly: only 1,500 pairs of Air Mags will be made, and they'll only be available via auction on nikemag.ebay.com. The auction started last night at 3:30am BST (11:30pm Eastern Time). You can view the Nike TV commercial here.
Michael. J, Fox was featured on The Late Show With David Letterman last night, talking about the shoes and his charity. You can get a little more information on Nike's "It's About Time" event.
