In 2017, Nike introduced the Adapt series of shoes with hidden motors that allow users to adjust the laces to fit their feet without having to tie them manually. Users must control the laces through the Nike Adapt mobile app. However, Nike recently announced the discontinuation of support for the Adapt app on mobile devices, along with removing the links from the iOS/Android stores on August 6, 2024, after the app had been available for 5 years (launched in 2019). Following this date, the original app may still be functional, but future mobile OS updates may affect its performance.
Nike provided reasoning for ending support for the Adapt app because they no longer sell the Adapt shoe series. Users can continue to wear the original Adapt shoes and adjust the foot tightness using the shoe’s built-in buttons. However, users will no longer be able to control the color of the lights in the shoes as that feature can only be done through the mobile app (the shoes will display the pre-selected light color).
Customer feedback from those who have purchased the Adapt shoes has been as expected (examples from Reddit threads). Some users expressed frustration at Nike selling expensive shoes (priced at $350 per pair) only to discontinue support abruptly. Some users mentioned resorting to downloading the APK and storing it for continued use, while others demanded Nike to release the app’s source code for community development.
Websites like The Verge and Ars Technica point out that this is a common weakness in many consumer tech products where companies try to incorporate technology to enhance selling points but often face issues with long-term technical support. These consumer tech brands later realize the cost involved in providing extended support, unlike traditional consumer products that can be sold and forgotten.
TLDR: Nike introduced the Adapt series of shoes with app-controlled laces but has now discontinued support for the app, leaving users to rely on alternative methods and raising concerns about the long-term viability of the product.
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