We've launched an exciting new project of our own! Introducing the Kickstarter app for iPhone!

Funded! This project successfully raised its funding goal on October 11, 2010.

Update

Update #17 · Sep 12, 2011 · 12 comments

Thanks for everyone that sent me the link to Nike's teaser press release (which included Back to the Future merchandise and references) and their full announcement the next day: That they would auction off a limited edition run of 'Air Mags', a replica of the shoe shown in Back to the Future II.  

It must be said that these shoes look almost exactly like the ones in the movie, and even light up, but they are not power lacing and are really meant to stay on a shelf or under glass.  With some pairs auctioning as high as $75,000 you probably wouldn't want to wear it outside too much.

The really cool thing though is that all proceeds will go to the Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinsons Research.  I applaud Nike and Universal for this and they're already on track to raise a lot of money.  As my grandmother is a Parkinson's sufferer as well, that is a cause that is close to my heart and it's really great what they're doing.

I've also been asked how it affects my project, and to that I say, "Positively".

Before it was revealed exactly what Nike would be unveiling, the buzz was that they would be releasing some sort of power lacing product.  Though that eventually turned out to be false, I wasn't worried because I believed Nike and I were focused on different segments of the market.

As I've always said, though my project was inspired by a Sci-Fi concept it's main purpose and functionality would be geared towards helping the disabled.  Not just with the lacing mechanism itself, but with other features that I can't unveil just yet.

While Nike may someday release a true Air Mag that autolaces (I doubt it will be before the mid to late 2012 launch date we're aiming for) it's very unlikely that Nikes shoe will be based from the ground up for accessibility for the disabled which is what I spent the bulk of the project working on, one of the goal being true handsfree use.  

More than just Power Laces, I'm building a System.

Because of that, I believe my system is unique enough to stand on it's own doing it's intended purpose.

Another positive aspect as people searching for info about Nike's shoe has lead them to my project, so I've received a lot of great support from newcomers cheering me on, and I'm looking forward to the next few months as I prepare for manufacturing.

Talk to you guys again soon!

Blake

Comments

    1. Facebook_profile_pic_1.small

      Creator Blake Bevin on February 26

      Thanks Bizzle, send me a message with your new address and I'll be sure to update the database.

      Yup it's been a difficult journey but I've learned a lot along the way. Timeline wise we're looking to start release beta prototypes to backers during the summer quarter, with full release to start during the holidays. Rest assured beta products will be upgraded free of charge when the final product is available. All we'll ask is for feedback about use and functionality.

      There will be a little more indepth information in future updates closer to the the beta release as we get the infrastructure in place.

      Thanks for the understanding and you can send your updated address to my personal email at blakebevin[at} gmail|dot}com

    2. Missing_small

      Creator The Bizzle on February 21

      Dear Blake,

      I can only imagine how difficult it is to get something like this "Off the ground." I myself have recently realized some of the intricate issues influencing commerce and society these days.

      However, would you be able to provide some sort of timeline associated with this project by any chance? Also, are you moving to Australia?

      Personally, on a completely different topic, I've moved and if you were to send a pair of shoes to the address you have on file for me, I most likely would not receive them. But at the same time, if there was a way that I can ensure that I will receive a pair of Power Laces at some point in time, then I would be willing to do my best to make it a reality.

      Best Regards.

    3. Facebook_profile_pic_1.small

      Creator Blake Bevin on December 19, 2012

      Yup, the space I had been renting to start the manufacturing was recently bought out by a competitor, forcing us to find another work space. Just signed the lease for move in on the first. It actually worked out in our favor as the space is much more suitable in size- it's a proper industrial space with enough room for the production suite. The plan is to be moved in by the 1st, get the web store open and prepare production of the final product shortly thereafter.

    4. 324328_10100466248506078_1051949184_o.small

      Creator Prem on December 18, 2012

      Hey blake, what is going on with power laces?

    5. Missing_small

      Creator SuM on October 23, 2012

      Hi Bevin! Do you have any updates for us?

    6. Missing_small

      Creator Dave Baird on June 9, 2012

      it has been a long time Blake.....whats happening ??

    7. Missing_small

      Creator SuM on December 24, 2011

      Happy Holidays! I just want to send you a bit of encouragement- your project will be great! I, too, would like to shoe a relative with limited motion.
      Susan M.

    8. 324328_10100466248506078_1051949184_o.small

      Creator Prem on September 13, 2011

      Hey blake, thanks for the update. Can we see any photos of new prototypes or anything? I can't wait to get these!

    9. Missing_small

      Creator Dave Baird on September 12, 2011

      Good to hear from you Blake
      Has been a while.
      when is the next report
      Dave (OZ)

    10. N686004812_967959_1211.small

      Creator Gavin Maxwell on September 12, 2011

      Hey Blake - you got a mention in local press here in Australia! Nice one! :-)

      http://www.news.com.au/technology/buy-a-pair-of-nike-air-mags-for-charity-and-walk-in-marty-mcflys-shoes/story-e6frfro0-1226132838346

      Gavin.

    11. Autismawareness2.small

      Creator KRISTINE CASTER on September 12, 2011

      Blake,

      We have been waiting a long time for your project. As DJay has said, it's the Power Laces we want. And, we will support you as long as it takes to have it right the first time.
      Good Luck to you, and thanks for keeping us posted.
      KCaster

    12. Portrait2.small

      Creator Daniel on September 12, 2011

      Of course the Air Mags are cool and with the M.J. Fox Foundation a good thing. But without Power Laces not the Sci-Fi Factor we want. ;)
      The Support is on your side. Hope to see things going on.
      All the best for you..

      DJay
      http://glpl.us/DJay

278
Backers
$25,024
pledged of $25,000 goal
0
seconds to go

Funding period
Aug 29, 2010 - Oct 11, 2010

Facebook_profile_pic_1.medium

See full bio

  • Pledge $5 or more

    39 backers

    Set of Power Laces logo decal stickers

  • Pledge $15 or more

    29 backers

    The Above, plus a laser engraved Power Laces logo keychain

  • Pledge $25 or more

    40 backers

    All of the above, plus a Power Laces logo T-shirt.

  • Pledge $50 or more

    78 backers

    All of the above, plus notification when Power Laces is shipping and have the first opportunity to purchase before they go on general sale.

  • Pledge $200 or more

    19 backers Limited (1 of 20 left)

    Be one of the First to receive Power Laces right off the assembly line (in Mens sizes 9-12 for the first manufacturing run), along with a logo T-shirt.

  • Pledge $210 or more

    20 backers All gone!

    Same as the Limited Reward above, (Be one of the First to receive Power Laces right off the assembly line- sizes 9-12) but also includes Logo keychain in addition to T-Shirt

  • Pledge $225 or more

    12 backers Limited (38 of 50 left)

    Same as the Limited Reward above, (Be one of the First to receive Power Laces right off the assembly line- Mens sizes 9-12) but also includes Logo Keychain, T-shirt, and Flash Drive. THIS WILL BE YOUR LAST CHANCE TO RECEIVE 'POWER LACES' AS A PLEDGE REWARD!

  • Pledge $250 or more

    1 backer All gone!

    Own the shoe that started it all and has been seen around the world- the brightly colored Power Laces version 1.0 shoe, mens size 11. (Possible to wear, but not recommended) Non-modified second shoe will be included.