Nike's HyperAdapt shoes in the US

Right now, I so wish, Nike had provided its self-lacing shoes in my teenage years. I could have saved so much time and effort. However, better late than never.

In March, Nike President and CEO Mark Parker unveiled the self-lacing HyperAdapt 1.0 sneaker. Though Nike was vague about the release date, it has recently announced that the first generation of the shoe will be available at selected retail shops in the US. Appointments to experience and purchase the product will begin 28 November.

The WIRED team recently had the opportunity to experience the behind the scenes of the shoe's development.

The sneaker features nylon laces that contract and loosens with just the touch of a button— “E.A.R.L.” which stands for Electro Adaptive Reactive Lacing. Moreover, its midsole also lights up once the auto-lacing system is initiated.

“When you step in, your heel will hit a sensor and the system will automatically tighten,” explains Tiffany Beers, Senior Innovator, NIKE, Inc., and the project’s technical lead. “Then there are two buttons on the side to tighten and loosen. You can adjust it until it’s perfect.”

Tinker Hatfield, Vice President for Design and Special Projects of Nike was recorded stating, “We’re talking about a project that’s maybe the most difficult in the history of footwear. I’m more excited about this than any project I’ve ever been involved with.”

The battery can last for about two weeks, at which point it needs to be charged for three hours.

Though there is no word yet on the exact price, HyperAdapt 1.0 sneaker will be available in three distinct colorways: deep black, crisp white, and a smooth gray.