October 21, 2015 is a huge day for Back to the Future fans as it is the exact date that Marty McFly travels to in Back to the Future II.
To celebrate the special day, Nike (who helped make the iconic self-lacing Nike MAGs that appear in the film) sent Michael J. Fox a heartfelt letter from Nike designer Tinker Hatfield.
The letter I received from Tinker today. Thanks @Nike pic.twitter.com/UIolXrkUVC
— Michael J. Fox (@realmikefox) October 21, 2015
The letter reads:
Hey Michael,
Almost thirty years ago we embarked on a journey to create a glimpse into “the future.” Although the project started as science fiction, we’re now proud to turn that fiction into fact. As the first, most celebrated wearer of the Nike Air MAG we wanted you to be the first to receive a living pair. “I meant Nike MAG” (I must have “air” on the brain)!
What is so special about the Nike Air MAG is its impact continues to resonate. We may never know its final legacy, but we continue to work on projects that carry and progress some of its principles.
As you well know, innovation never stops at Nike so we’re excited about what lies ahead for this idea. We know if you put your mind to it, you can accomplish anything.
In addition to your personal pair, we’re creating more pairs for support in aid of the Michael J. Fox Foundation in 2016. We hope that the combined effort will raise even more than the $9.4 million collected in 2011 and contribute in some way to eliminating Parkinson’s Disease in our lifetime!
Your friend,
TinkerP.S. If my calculations are correct… your pair should be with you shortly.
Back in 2011, Nike created 1,500 pairs of the Nike MAG which were then auctioned off to support the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.
While the rest of the world will have to wait till next year to have a chance at getting a pair of Nike MAGs, it appears the Michael J. Fox has already secured his new pair of Back to the Future kicks.
This is real. This is today. Coming spring 2016. cc: @RealMikeFox @Nike pic.twitter.com/KPswXNojvA
— michaeljfox.org (@MichaelJFoxOrg) October 21, 2015
UPDATE:
As people have been expecting for awhile, the new Nike MAGs will come with a self-lacing system. The Michael J. Fox Foundation released this small video of Fox putting on the sneaker and marveling at the technology.
Michael J. Fox models the first self-lacing @Nike Mag pic.twitter.com/bgPWM5CKBE
— michaeljfox.org (@MichaelJFoxOrg) October 21, 2015
Nike has also released a statement confirming that the 2015 Nike MAG will be equipped with “power laces” and the technology is being tested for other sports as well.
This innovation advances what was coined the Nike Mag’s “power laces,” combining the archetype invention with digital technology. The result is an individually responsive system that senses the wearer’s motion to provide adaptive on-demand comfort and support. But this is just the first iteration.
Nike continues to test this technology across multiple sports, incorporating feedback into future game-changing footwear with unprecedented performance features that have the potential to impact athletes around the world.
