More Nike+ shoes by end of 2007

John Chan | Mar 28, 2007

In an interview with the Associated Press, Nike's president and CEO revealed the company's plans to make all its running shoes compatible with its Nike+ technology. A Singapore Nike spokesperson has confirmed that those plans are targeted at the US market, and the Asia-Pacific region may not follow the same timeline. The initial launch of the Nike+ series for Southeast Asia will be April 1, which is almost a year after the US launch. As such, Nike may still have running shoes not compatible with the Nike+ technology at the end of the year in this region. Seven models have been announced for the Southeast Asia launch and more will be released into the market from now till the end of 2007.

The Nike + iPod Sport Kit (read our review here) is made up two components. One part of it fits under the left insole of the shoe and the other device is connected to an iPod nano. The iPod nano can then be used to record your running information like distance and time. This sports kit is currently compatible only with the Nike+ shoes range but is expected to be made available for all Nike shoes intended for running and cross-training in the future. However, this does not include the Nike Free lineup (which simulates barefoot running) and those with studs meant for track and field athletes.

Nike has also confirmed that Nike+ versions of its running shoes will not cost more than their corresponding incompatible shoes (the same models that do not have a cavity for the sensor). Good news for runners who do not wish to use the Nike + iPod Sport Kit or an iPod nano--they do not have to pay more for their running shoes even if all of them are Nike+ compatible. Makes perfect sense actually--charging extra for putting a hole into the sole won't please many Nike fans.

Read more gizmos here | Via Crave