Nike plans to make all its running shoes iPod-compatible

Not a lot of details just yet, but it looks like that limited selection of Nike+ shoes won't be alone in iPod compatibility in Nike's running lineup for long. Nike President and CEO Mark Parker said in a recent interview that Nike "plans to make all its running shoes compatible with its Nike+ technology by the end of the year." That's good news for the iPod kids looking for a wider selection of running shoes, and unwilling to go with one of those hacks, but we suppose a purist or three isn't going to like having their running shoe cut up in such a manner. Parker continued, saying "I won't get into specific dates or executions, but you can expect to see some of these new Nike concepts at retail this calendar year." Our guess is those shoes could be hitting 'round the time Nike Speed+ and friends start making this whole distance tracking thing ubiquitous in May.

[Jim @ Mar 26th 2007 2:56PM]

This is good news. I went to buy a pair of the new Air Max 360 2's a few months ago and was disappointed to see that they were not Nike+ compatible. True, I have one of the Marware pouches but I would think that for $160, you'd be able to put a sensor in it.

[Jonathan Keim @ Mar 26th 2007 3:08PM]

I don't think we will see them in 'all' the shoes. Athletes aren't going to want an empty hole in their shoe because they will feel that it can only hinder their proformance.

Still, it's good to see they are expanding the lineup

[Scooter @ Mar 26th 2007 3:36PM]

Who cares... Make your own...
http://diy-nation.blogspot.com/2007/01/make-your-own-nike-footwear.html

[mrhammerstein @ Mar 26th 2007 3:46PM]

why. i never saw anyone actually use this. there may be more zune owners that ipod+nike owners.

[Ignacio @ Mar 26th 2007 4:05PM]

"why. i never saw anyone actually use this."

...maybe because the sensor is *inside* the shoe?

[AndrewNeo @ Mar 26th 2007 3:47PM]

Whoopie. I don't spend hundreds of dollars on shoes, and I don't own an iPod. So it's a win-win situation for me.

[D W @ Mar 26th 2007 4:40PM]

Re: AndrewNeo.

So Andrew we can assume that a) you've never bought a pair of running shoes (because all good ones cost over $90), and b) you've never actually tried to see if the iPod+Nike system would do anything for you.

So to put bluntly, your either a couch potato or can't get away from your PC.

Do the rest of us a favor, and if you don't have anything constructive to add here, then shut up.

The Nike+ system isn't just a little plug in that happens to work with an iPod Nano. If you'd ever seen nike's website and visited nikerunning.com you'd see there's more to this system than Engadget would ever tell you. No I don't own a pair of Nike running shoes, I use it with a pair of Brooks, but the software is awesome.

[Celebrity Poker @ Mar 26th 2007 5:07PM]

I love my Nike+ thingamajiggie. I don't see a lot of other people with them, but it's kinda hard to spot 'em.

It seems that Nike's best running shoes are already all + compatible, but I guess for the more casual runner this will be cool. Why you'd want 'm in a basketball shoe is beyond me, but the shoes come with a little foam cork that fills up the space for the already tiny pedometer. That way if you don't use it there's no negative or "hole" in your sole.

It's all good, and there's nothing like Lance Armstrong giving you kudos after a good workout.

[john marks @ Apr 11th 2008 7:57AM]

when you are going to buy running shoes then you should check your convenience whether it is fitted to you or not..so its really an excellent idea to know your own feet..nike's running shoes is the coice...you can also find more about running shoes in this site..http://www.excellentshoes.com

[Ozbone @ Mar 26th 2007 5:55PM]

Glad to read this is spreading. I love mine. Don't use Nike though - terrible fit for me. Wonder if any other shoe companies will join in.

[starwxrwx @ Mar 26th 2007 9:08PM]

This is great news - I love my Nike+ kit, but I only run occasionally and would prefer the support of cross trainers but still be able to use them for running (or walking) with the sensor secured. I use a pouch but sometimes it comes loose :/

[Darrell @ Mar 26th 2007 9:29PM]

Working for Nike, this doesn't come to me as a surprise. Really, the only shoes that could not be Nike+ compatible are full-length Air shoes (Air Max 360, Pegasus, Hayward, etc.). This first batch was just to see what kind reaction they would get. Now, that it's mostly positive, they will execute the initiative to whatever shoes can hold it. I love this tech but hate iPods, so I can't wait until the Speed+ watch debuts.

[Darrell @ Mar 26th 2007 9:32PM]

Oh, the "empty hole" is actually filled with cushioning. Even if you are super sensitive, you won't feel it.

[gibschan @ Mar 27th 2007 10:36AM]

...ipod again?...man i don't understand what the point of getting an ipod is...less feature than many portable players out there...cost more...

I'll agree that it looks good...but that only goes so far...

I'll stick with my archos 604 wifi...

[corey @ Mar 27th 2007 11:19PM]

My timex speed and distance system is far better. The Garmin Forerunner is much better. Nike + is just a fad or trend for people who want to feel like they are runners. What kind of runner wears nike any way. Buy some brooks or asics and leave nike shoes to the mega million dollar endorsements to sale stuff to teens.

[hyloka @ Mar 27th 2007 4:19PM]

The only major issue I have with Nike+ is that it requires you to wear a Nike shoe. I'd prefer to wear the shoe that's right for me and have a GPS for tracking distance/pace, like a Garmin 205/305 (http://www.garmin.com/products/forerunner205/).

For under $200 you can get the Garmin ($200 on Amazon, with a mail-in rebate for an additional $50 off) and then get a cheap flash MP3 player to get the equivalent of what the iPod contributes to the experience. With this combo I get more accuracy and get to use the shoes that I want to wear.