Nike Unveils New Adapt BB Self-Lacing Basketball Trainers Controlled Through App

In a world where we can control anything from kitchen hobs to nuclear weapons at the touch of a button, does it not seem like complete nonsense that we still have to physically tie our laces?

If you were hoping to see the laces tie themselves right before you eyes, you'll be disappointed, as the technology is concealed underneath the shoe's mesh. Plus, it works using a compressing band mechanism, rather than a lacy knot.

Still, it must be pretty cool to feel a trainer fit snugly around your foot at the touch of a button.

The trainers are controlled via an app and are charged wirelessly, with wearers able to customise everything from the trainer's fit to its colour.

But what is this witchcraft and just how game-changing are these trainers? Allow Nike to explain:

"Welcome to the future of footwear. Step into a shoe that comes to life when you put it on. It lights up. It senses you. It adjusts to the shape of your foot and activity at the touch of a button - so you always get the perfect ft.

"Electric adaptable reaction lacing is the technology that makes self-lacing shoes possible - electronically adjusting the lacing, pressure and fit of the shoe to the contours of your foot.

"A small engine inside the mid-sole pulls the laces to tighten the Flyknit and quad - axial mesh upper. As Nike FitAdapt technology has evolved, the engine has become smaller and lighter, enabling more applications across more sports.

"Pair your shoes with the Nike Adapt app to fine-tune your fit, switch between presets, customise the lights, check battery levels and more - all from your smartphone. App coming soon.

"As your shoes adjust, they light up with the colour of your choice. You can change colours and unlock new ones with the Nike Adapt app.

"Charging your shoes is as easy as setting them on the mat and watching the lights change to reflect your battery levels. If the battery runs out while you're wearing them, don't sweat it. Your shoes will still unlace so you never get stuck."

Wow. Who'd have thought that in 2019 a product description for a pair of trainers would include the reassurance that you'll 'never get stuck' in them.

On Monday, the sportswear giants teased the trainers in a video which showed a string of basketball players playing with their phones and looking down at their feet, saying things like:

"Oh shit!"

"That's pretty impressive."

"Oh these are nice!

"Feels good."

It now seems fairly clear they meant both.

If you fancy yourself a pair of self-lacing, multi-coloured, wireless trainers, you can pre-order now in the US. The trainers will go on sale globally on 17 February.