Nike may be taking its next big leap in sports tech with Project Amplify, a pair of robotic trainers designed to help you walk and run faster.
The company briefly detailed the concept alongside its new neuroscience-based footwear, revealing some of the most futuristic shoes it’s ever worked on.
Developed in collaboration with robotics startup Dephy, Project Amplify works like a “second set of calf muscles,” giving runners a powered boost while keeping movement natural.
The system includes a carbon fibre plate, a motor, and a drive belt powered by a rechargeable calf-mounted battery, all housed in a design that looks surprisingly close to a normal pair of neon Nike trainers.
Nike compares the experience to riding an e-bike; it doesn’t do the work for you, but it makes every stride feel easier, especially on inclines. The company says the shoes make running uphill feel like moving on flat ground, and in early tests, some runners managed to shave two minutes off their mile time.
The project has been years in the making, with Nike and Dephy’s engineers logging over 2.4 million test steps with more than 400 athletes to fine-tune the mechanics. The result is a prototype that could redefine how performance footwear works and blends sports science and robotics.
Nike’s Mind Space Department also introduced two other experimental models, the Mind 001 and Mind 002. These shoes use foam nodes that mimic the texture of the ground underfoot to “heighten sensory awareness” and improve focus.
While Project Amplify is still in the testing phase, expect to see a broader release in the coming years. The Mind 001 and Mind 002 will be available in January 2026 as the first shoes in the Nike Mind line. If it delivers on its promise, Nike’s next big performance leap might come from motors, not midsoles.
