Nike’s Got ‘Back To The Future II’ Sneaker Patents

They’re the ultimate pipe dream of shoedom: Back to the Future II Nike Air Mags. I mean, they’re self-lacing, for goodness sake. And Nike’s patented the technology to make them real, charging station included.

We’ve already seen someone make a power laces prototype, but those were one-offs encumbered by bulky motor on the heel. Taking a stroll through these patents reveals a much more elegant solution:

Of course, the patents could just be defensive, etc. But power laces, guys! They’d be crazy not to manufacture these, if it’s at all possible. And even crazier not to follow up with a hoverboard. [WIPO via NiceKicks]

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