Get Ready For The Self-Lacing Sneakers From Back To The Future Part II

Filed Under: Film Flickers Tech Talk Michael J. Fox Nike

Do U remember the self-lacing sneakers in Back To The Future Part II?

At the time that the film was released in 1989, they probably seemed like the type of thing that wouldn't be around for another 20 years or so. Fortunately, it's now a little over 20 years later, and those sneakers are very close to becoming a reality.

Nike has filed a patent for these high tech sneakers. Here's what the patent says about the shoes:

“the automatic lacing system provides a set of straps that can be automatically opened and closed to switch between a loosened and tightened position of the upper. The article further includes an automatic ankle cinching system that is configured to automatically adjust an ankle portion of the upper.”

More from Nike on how the sneakers work:

“…Slip a switch, and the shoe tightens as if you just pulled and tightened conventional laces. The switch activates a motor that rolls or unrolls a spool of wire distributed throughout the shoe. When the spool reels in the wire, the shoe tightens along axis supported by various rods.”

These are going to be great! They'll be the best thing to happen to lazy people since remote controls.

Tags: back to the future, lazy people, self lacing sneakers, technology