Nike and recovery brand, Hyperice, have partnered to create two tech-driven recovery products – a vest and boots – ahead of Paris 2024.
The partners say they listened to elite athletes’ needs in developing the gear, but that they will “not be releasing it anytime soon”, suggesting these items are concepts, released to coincide with the Olympic and Paralympic Games, which start on 26 July.
Nike x Hyperice boots offer heat and dynamic air compression massage for feet and ankles in the form of a high-top shoe, while the Nike x Hyperice vest enables the wearer to control their temperature with heating and cooling elements targeting the upper body.
Current, two-time Olympic marathon champion, Eliud Kipchoge is among athletes Nike and Hyperice say have helped test the concepts.
Kipchoge – widely acknowledged to be one of the best long distance runners of all time – said: "I’ve used the Nike x Hyperice boots before and after many key sessions in my training for the Olympic marathon. When using before a warm-up for a fartlek or hill session, they make my legs feel light during the workout. I also use them post-run as a key part of recovery for my muscles."
The partners say Ada Hegerberg, LeBron James, and Tom Kim are also utilising the products as part of their recovery routines.
“Recovery is an important part of any athlete’s journey, but we’re hearing from them that this concept of ‘pre-covery’ is equally as important,” says Tobie Hatfield, senior director of athlete innovation at Nike. “The footwear and vest that we’ve developed with Hyperice help get the body ready for activity.”
Anthony Katz, founder and president of Hyperice expects the two companies to have a productive partnership, saying: “This collaboration is the culmination of years of work…and this is just the start.”
Kipchoge, who’s attempting to become the first athlete ever to win three consecutive Olympic marathon titles, has revealed a number of endorsements ahead of Paris 2024.
In addition to Nike, he’s also working with open-ear headphone experts, Shokz as a global ambassador.
As part of the partnership, Kipchoge and Shokz will jointly launch co-branded products, including a limited edition version of flagship product, OpenRun Pro featuring a grey and orange colourway – the signature colours of Kipchoge's NN Running Team.
Kipchoge said: “When I first encountered these headphones, I found them to be very useful for my training and so I had to introduce them to our NN Running team. We’re a team that trains incredibly hard and these headphones give us the opportunity to enjoy music and be aware of our surroundings, even during our longest workouts.”
Using Bone Conduction or DirectPitch Technology, Shokz headphones transmit sound to the ears without obstructing them.
They’re designed to enable runners to enjoy music and podcasts without compromising on safety.
Headphones are available in various models, such as the OpenRun, the OpenFit and the waterproof OpenSwim.
