Take that Nike! Puma Unveil their Own Self-Lacing Sneaker in the battle for the Future

Not to be outdone by Nike and their HyperAdapt sneakers, Puma have taken it upon themselves to give their own version of self-lacing tech in a pair of footwear as well. Say hello to the Puma FI (Fit Intelligence) sneakers.

The sneakers feature a chunky module that sits in the centre of the shoes’ tongue (where the laces would be), with small blue cables that move across the bridge of the foot. These blue cables are industrial-strength fibres that act as the lacing system beneath the breathable mesh upper.

The actual magic happens by swiping the surface of the grey module, though. By sliding upwards, the wearer can tighten the shoe and by sliding downwards, they’ll loosen. If that isn’t futuristic enough for you, there’s a second option too, using the corresponding app on your phone. Thanks to the app, you’ll have full control of the FI module in the palm of your hand, just in case you want to go full Wall-E with your sneakers.

Incidentally, Puma was actually the first company to go lace-less with sports shoes back in 1968 utilising velcro to replace traditional laces. While it’s a far cry in terms of the tech of the Fit Intelligence sneakers, it’s interesting to note that Puma has always been looking to alternative lacing solutions.

The FI’s aren’t that far out from launch either, as they’ll be available as soon as 2020. Considering how popular it seems self-lacing shoes are becoming, could this be the next big sneaker trend, or is it just a temporary gimmick?

What do you think of Puma’s FI sneakers? Would you get yourself a pair? Let us know by tweeting @MenStuffZA and commenting below.