Nike+iPod works with any shoe: The 99-cent DIY shoe mod

Okay, so it should have been pretty obvious that not everyone interested in indulging in the Nike+iPod Sport Kit would be shelling out for a brand new pair of (Nike) kicks. If you're are one of those folks perfectly satisfied with the shoes you've already invested in, you've probably been chewing on ideas to get your kit to work effectively. Well, we've got good news, the answer is here and the solution is cheap and so easy it's almost unimaginative. If you have even the smallest hint of the "handyman" gene in you, this project should have you up and running in no time: by securing a small piece of Velcro on your shoes of choice, you can affix the wireless bug to your shoe without emptying your wallet at Niketown. Although this solution may not seem exactly ingenious, it looks to work fairly well, and hey, it can't hurt to give it a run-through.

[Jonathan Keim @ Jul 17th 2006 8:10AM]

I knew someone would come up with something better then cutting a hole in the sole.

I will probably buy this

[Zadillo @ Jul 17th 2006 8:15AM]

That's pretty cool. I think the main speculation was that it might not work if the sensor specifically depended on being at the bottom of the shoe for whatever reason (i.e. part of it's sensing might have had to do with pressure from the foot as you hit the ground, etc.).

This is good news though. I am a severe overpronator, so none of the Nike Plus shoes are even an option for me. I use the Brooks Beasts, so it's nice to know I'd have the option of using these.

[Dan Katz @ Jul 17th 2006 8:26AM]

What... is... Vel-cro?

[Gilberto @ Apr 10th 2007 7:45PM]

its the black thing behind it that attaches to another peice of velcro... velcro is used a lot in.... ummmmmmm... little kid shoes... the little straps that have that pokey sticky thing on the bottom... you know???

[starwxrwx @ Jul 17th 2006 8:27AM]

Sounds dumb but does it work for walking too? I'm not much of a runner but keeping track of my daily commute would be great.

[Tim Marman @ Jul 17th 2006 8:29AM]

Quick, how many running puns can we fit in one post? :)

[PW @ Jul 17th 2006 8:38AM]

works for walking. it's basically a glorified pedometer.

[David @ Jul 17th 2006 8:56AM]

Thats pretty cool my pal has a pair and its so cool i cant wait for a good hack to come out

[bpc @ Jul 17th 2006 9:23AM]

Sure, that works. Or use the zip-pocket in your 'Roos.

[Dan Russell @ Jul 17th 2006 9:25AM]

OK, but can I use it with my 5G video iPod?

I just want to use it as a pedometer that'll track my steps when I sync.

I find it hard to believe that it ONLY works with a Nano.

If anyone has tried it, or has a solid answer, please post.

Thanks.

[Jonathan Keim @ Jul 17th 2006 9:42AM]

I'm sorry but I have not tried it with the 5g. I just want you to know that according to apple it will not work and since the firmwares are different on the two ipods it makes sense

[Gary Henery @ Jul 17th 2006 9:43AM]

No, It Dosent Work With 5G iPods Dan, Mine Just Comes Up With A Message About The Attachment Not Being Compatible. All My Mates With 5G's Get the Same. looks Like Its Just Nanoers For Now.

[josh @ Dec 28th 2008 10:42PM]

5th gens have hard drive, which are suceptible to shock. nanos have flash memory. this is why they dont allow it on 5th gens

[Ptrix @ Jul 17th 2006 10:00AM]

odds are that Apple will allow 5G iPods to use this accessory hen they roll out their next set of firware updates, especilly with the number of people who want to use it but currently can't.

[len @ Jul 17th 2006 10:18AM]

Stop stealing from Nike/Apple. Those Malaysian kids gotta eat!

[sxt173 @ Jul 17th 2006 10:28AM]

The lace idea is good. I just took a razor and cut out a small oval in foam under the insert in my running shoes.
Works like a charm, and no difference whatsoever in feeling of shoe, even when I take the sensor out.

It works fine for walking also, when you sync your workout data to Nike, it actually tracks it by distance on x-axis and speed/pace on y-axis, so you can in theory go for run and the walk to cool down, etc.. It even points out when you hit the button for your "power song".

I think this is really awsome and they did really put in alot of thought into making this very user-friendly and great interface.

[AJ @ Jul 17th 2006 10:30AM]

I'd imagine that Apple doesn't want to advertise the regular 30/60gb 5G as an athletic accessory, it being hard drive based and all. So I doubt that that acessory would work for any other iPod than the nano.
It would probably just cause another lawsuit due to the crashed drives.
What I hope is that the new iteration of the nano (whenever it comes out) is compatible with this accessory.

[James @ Jul 17th 2006 10:43AM]

Odds aren't.

I'm going to bet that 5G will never get a firmware update to make this work. Why would Apple want to promote jogging with the HDD version of the iPod - they'd be asking for trouble.

I'm not saying that it can't handle jogging, but it's somemthing Apple might like to avoid... that and the fact that there is a bit to the marketing - they'll make more money on selling nanos to work with this than they do selling this.

They're trying to sell more nanos.

[Peterson Valcourt @ Jul 17th 2006 11:53AM]

This will not work effectively,
It’s a waste of time. The Nike + Ipod combo, only work with their shoe. It calibrates mileage ran/ speed and different interval. This also come with a software that if the sensor is place in the wrong location will have a negative affect on your result. I ran last week a with a friend who tried exactly what you guys just mention.
Complete failure.

[Nick @ Jan 2nd 2007 11:37PM]

I agree. I bought the outfit and velcroed to my shoe. It does not calibrate even close to reality. guess I'll have to buy the shoes.
Nick

[Stephen Emery @ Jul 17th 2006 12:54PM]

Of course Nike isn't going to tell you this, but they actually make a shoe wallet for runners that clips on to the top of your shoe and would work perfectly. I have used it for the last six months to carry my keys and money when I run. I bought mine at niketown in NY, but you can get it online here...

http://www.sports-world.com/product.pasp?txtproductid=451104____

[The Stu @ Jul 17th 2006 1:51PM]

I recently purchased this kit, and as an experienced runner (and gadget guy), this has been a great investment so far. I have had no problems with the way it works. The only problem I can foresee with mounting the sensor on the top of the shoe is that it is not as horizontal as it would be in the sole, therefore leaving open the possibility of producing inaccurate results. I needed new running kicks anyway, so I shelled out the $99, which wasn't too bad--they seem to be well-made.

I have had no problems with it so far, it works well, and it's accurate. Anyone who has any questions about it can send me an IM on AIM... 'TheStu82'

[Nick @ Jul 17th 2006 8:14PM]

In addition to the sensor not being horizontal, isn't there a piezo sensor in it which is meant to be stomped on as part of the algorithm? Seems like you'd loose a lot of accuracy if it's mounted under your foot.

I'm not buying drinking the "You must buy nike" kool-aid yet, but it seems like there are some considerations which must be made.

[e-rock @ Oct 5th 2006 3:29AM]

i used the marware sportsuit a couple times (http://www.marware.com/cgi-bin/WebObjects/Marware.woa/1/wa/selectedCategory?catalogCatID=226&wosid=PV98vWhdLj0vT8wsvCFOBg) and the results have been very inaccurate. bummber because i even wear nikes, they haven't made my model with the space for the sensor (yet). anyway my experience was frustrating...

[Xcaliber @ Jul 18th 2006 12:34PM]

sweeet!

[nestrada @ Jul 30th 2006 11:01AM]

I bought the air max 180 for my ipod kit for $110. It worked like a charm...but I'm a brooks guy. So i took the sensor and velcro and i ran my own test...ran 400 meters and calibrated. I also walked 400 meters and calibrated. Both methods proved to be dead accurate.

Took the shoes back. Bought a shoe wallet and this method worked too. The only thing that didn't work is the friggin armband i used to have because the sensor is too big. I had to buy that...but hey, saved $110 on shoes, right?

[Podophile @ Jul 31st 2006 8:17PM]

The sensor does not need to be "stomped on" to work. It is perfectly accurate when attached under the laces. I've used it this way for over two weeks and 75 miles with no problems.

The people above who said that it only works with the Nike shoes are completely wrong. The Sport Kit does not come with any software that detects if the sensor is inside the shoe or not.

See... http://podophile.com ...for more info.

We have several articles about using the Sport Kit with non-Nike shoes, and several methods of attaching the sensor to your shoe. They've all been tested and they all work perfectly.

[Sarah @ Mar 11th 2008 8:02PM]

Hi,

I have used Nike+ shoes for the last year, with very accurate results. Recently, due to foot pain, I went to the running store and had my gait analyzed and bought a new pair of Brooks. The salesperson also sold me a little wallet that velcros to my laces for the sensor. I went for my first run with the new gear today and was very disappointed with the results. After running a 3 mile course, that I have checked with my car, the iPod only had measured 1.52 km, with a pace of 18.52min/km. I was very disappointed. I was trying to set a new PR for the 5K, and now I dont even want to upload that workout to the website.

I came home and cut a hole in my new $120 running shoes (yikes) for the sensor. I'll see tomorrow if it works.

[Berbie @ Aug 17th 2006 3:07PM]

Even if it's cool to hear some motivating tunes during your workout, how do you know what the 5 miles course is? TrailRunner could be the next perfect addition.

TrailRunner - Mac route planner for endurance sports with intelligent iPod directions export.

With TrailRunner you can create maps of your favorite running, biking or hiking tours and measure their distances. TrailRunner features a route planning tool that helps you to find only the nicest ones, regardless of the distance the integrated exercise-plan tells you to accomplish for today. The routes can be exported as small NanoMaps onto an iPod, giving you a detailed orientation while you are on your way. If you journalize your workouts in a diary, you can publish it partly as a weblog, along with a route-archive other users may find. This leads to a greater choice of routes in your neighborhood, as well as when you're away from home.
For owners of a GPS receiver or for users of online services, TrailRunner can import and export GPX-Tracklists and export Google Earth KML files.

- berbie.
http://trailrunnerX.com

[david jackson @ Oct 10th 2006 2:27PM]

I have used the Nike Triax SDM (speed & distance monitor) watch / shoe sensor in the past and I suspect that uses the same technology, so here are a few assumptions that I am making.

The Nike Triax SDM was FANTASTIC. It was reported to be around 97% accurate out of the box and mine was even better than that. After calibration on a track, it was 99.5% accurate with regard to speed and distance. That is, it would say 0.99 1.00 or 1.01 miles at the mile marks in an official race like a marathon.

My advice regarding the device is this:

Use whatever 'shoe hack' you want. It WILL work perfectly fine just like the SDM.

The runner's 'key wallet' for the shoe is a fantastic idea. It WILL work. I am going to get one today.

I suspect the Nike Plus sensor uses a one dimensional piezo sensor just like its predecessor, the SDM. Thus, the slight angle that is different on the top of the shoe rather than the bottom may slightly alter it's accuracy due to alteration of the motion component parallel to the plane of the bottom of the shoe. HOWEVER - just CALIBRATE it! Do this whether or not you use a shoe hack. Go to a school track (400 m). The nice menu on the ipod re. calibration is 100x easier than the menu on the watch version and . . . run. Next (you are already at the track, right?) run a mile and see what the reading is. Report on this forum your accuracy for our information.

Because it also has a calibration for walking, this may greatly increase accuracy, esp if you do some walking during your 'run'. This would be the case in certain marathon and other training techniques like Galloway method or in certain terains like hilly and rocky trail runs / offroad ultramarathons.

I was disappointed that they made it 'compatible' only with Nike shoes and told their employees to report the same. But that is marketing and I suppose I would have done the same. At least they came out with this cool device!

Get it, hack it, calibrate it and report back. I will.

DJ

[meltoots @ Oct 23rd 2006 1:55PM]

Check out the Shoe Pouch! It is designed for the Nike+iPod sensor and is only $5.99 and much more secure.
http://www.shoepouch.com

[Ben @ Nov 14th 2006 4:34PM]

Does anyone know of a software product similar to TrailRunnerX that works for PC's and can link up to you iPod Nano?

[joe @ Jan 21st 2007 1:29AM]

I ran on the treadmill for the first time to calibrate and was very in accurate i just slid the sensor in my sock and was not even close to being right.

[Gilberto @ Apr 10th 2007 7:46PM]

cool invention though...

[Harkonian @ Oct 19th 2007 1:59PM]

The thing to remember about the sensor is that it is an accelerometer. It measures acceleration and from that calculates distance. More importantly though, it measures acceleration only on its horizontal axis. So, keeping it perfectly parallel to the direction of travel will maximize the accuracy of the horizontal acceleration measurements (and thus maximize the accuracy of the distance calculation) and keeping it perfectly perpendicular to direction of travel will minimize the accuracy of horizontal acceleration measurements. In fact, a sensor that is perpendicular to the ground is actually measuring your vertical acceleration and thus is calculating the total height you've gone (as opposed to total distance) during the run.

With this in mind we can deduce that securing the sensor anywhere but the bottom of the shoe (which gives the it the best chance to be parallel to the direction of travel) will be inherently less accurate. Although calibration will minimize the inaccuracy, a correctly calibrated sensor in the bottom of the shoe will always be more accurate than a correctly calibrated sensor anywhere else not parallel to the direction of travel.

Just some food for thought.

[ej @ Mar 26th 2008 9:30PM]

@Berbie
@Ben
Regarding the Trailblazer thing; there is something very similar that works very well and is very accurate on the nikeplus web site (http://nikeplus.nike.com/nikeplus/) called 'Map It'. You'll find it under the 'Community' section. Plus you can share your mapped route with other runners and take advantage of routes mapped by others.

[Chad @ Mar 31st 2008 2:20PM]

The key to the sensor working accurately OUTSIDE the shoe is that is VERY securely attached to the shoe, any extra bounce will be considered another stride, thus making your pace faster. (or no bounce, making your pace slower). I have used in and out on shoes with similar results. Out of the box 90% accurate, after calibration 99% (ex 1mile on measured track recorded .99 miles)
One other difficulty I encounted was with my custom orthotics. Sensor seemed to be a little loose when the normal shoe inserts were removed, I solved this with some duct tape. Hope this helps.

[ella @ Sep 17th 2008 4:50PM]

I got one of these things and put it in my sock as the Apple store clerk said he did with his. I ran about five miles and it tracked me for a total 1.5. Now I understand how it works, and that it needs to be as parallel as possible to the bottom of the shoe. Easy enough.

My new concern is that I run a lot of intense hills. Think Griffith Park in LA, or Buena Vista Park in SF. I can't seem to find much written about how running up and down really steep hills for the majority of my run might affect mileage tracking. And how I should go about calibrating the inconsistent pace.

Anyone have feedback on this? Thanks!

[kelly @ Jun 1st 2009 10:28AM]

I'm thinking about getting one but I'm not sure it'll be compatible with my ipod (I have one of the square nanos). Anyone know? Please help before I waste money on something that won't work for me.

[ap @ Jun 14th 2009 5:08PM]

kelly,
The nike+ works with the square nano (that's what I use).

I got a pair of Air Pegasus+, but the heel support has given out after about 9 months... I want to switch back to my Mizuno Riders, but I want to keep using the Nike+ gadget, too.
Has anyone tried the "shoe pouch" (link posted above: http://www.grantwoodtechnology.com/ ) yet? How does it's accuracy compare to using it with the Nike+ shoes?

Thanks!