Nike Gets Extra Kick From Ipod: Wireless Link Lets Shoe `Talk’ to Runners With Workout Data

By John Boudreau, San Jose Mercury News, Calif.

May 24–Now the iPod can sync with a shoe.

Nike, the world’s largest athletic shoemaker, and Apple Computer, maker of the nation’s hottest digital music player, on Tuesday announced a wireless system to allow footwear to “talk” to runners, so weekend warriors can monitor information on calories burned, exercise time and distance covered through their iPod nano.

To have this human-to-shoe-chat, though, runners will have to pay $29 for the Nike iPod Sport Kit — which will be available within 60 days — and buy a pair of Nike’s $100 Air Zoom Moire shoes. The Beaverton, Ore.-based Nike says it plans to make many of its popular shoes iPod compatible.

The kit includes an in-shoe sensor and receiver that attaches to the iPod, allowing people to get real-time updates on their workout. (An audible feedback is provided through the iPod’s headphones.)

Not even Nike, it seems, is immune from iPod infatuation. America’s corporate giants — Motorola, Intel and now Nike — all want to, ahem, run with Cupertino-based Apple.

“It indicates how the iPod is not just a product, but a phenomenon,” said Chris Crotty, an analyst at research firm iSuppli.

It’s a relationship Nike needs more than Apple, he added.

“How much does Apple need a boost from Nike?” Crotty asked.

Not much, apparently. Apple has sold more than 50 million iPods and dominates the U.S. digital music player market — without any help from shoes that “talk.”

Shares of Nike jumped $1.01, or 1.3 percent, to $78.99; Apple shares, on the other hand, dropped 44 cents to $62.71 in late trading.

Contact John Boudreau at jboudreau@mercurynews.com or (408) 278-3496.

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