Step into the future with these Nike trainers that massage your feet

Nike has partnered up with sports recovery brand Hyperice to create a high-tech pair of sneakers that can massage your feet while you wear them. 

The two companies unveiled both the trainers and a specially-designed recovery vest ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympics. 

While it may sound like a fun gimmick – one we’d love to try out – there’s actually quite a bit of science behind the concept.

Nike and Hyperice say the tech will ‘help athletes perform at their best throughout training and competition’ – who doesn’t want that with the Olympics looming?

READ MORE! Nike showcases futuristic new sneakers designed using artificial intelligence

Massaging Nike sneakers? Tell me more

The high-top shoe offers heat and dynamic air-compression massage on demand for athletes’ feet and ankles.

Both shoes work independently of each other – or the heat and compression can be synchronized at the touch of a button. 

“The shoe contains a system of dual-air Normatec bladders bonded to warming elements that evenly distribute heat throughout the entire upper,” Nike explained in a press release. 

“This combination is designed to drive heat deep into the muscle and tissue in the foot and ankle, helping athletes move, perform, and recover naturally much faster.

“To that end, athlete testers report that their feet and ankles feel freer and lighter — as if they’ve already completed their warm-up before actually starting their usual routine.”

As yet, the trainers and vest have no release date – but Nike and Hyperice are trialing the techy items with athletes and will be using the feedback for ‘continued development’. 

They sound cool, but do they actually work?

Amongst those putting the trainers through their paces is two-time Olympic marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge. He revealed he’s used them and they really do work. 

“I’ve used the Nike x Hyperice boots before and after many key sessions in my training for the Olympic marathon,” Kipchoge shared. 

“When using before a warm-up for a fartlek [a hilariously-named training session] or hill session, they make my legs feel light during the workout.

“I also use them post-run as a key part of recovery for my muscles.”

Basketball star LeBron James has also tried them out and gives them two thumbs up.

He said the vest and boots will ‘change the game for athletes’ warm-up and recovery’. And if anyone would know, it would be LeBron, right?

Nike has previously showcased a pair of sneakers that were designed using AI. Seems like the sportswear company is keen to step into the future.