# Auto-Tightening Shoes These Power Laces Were Inspired by 'Back to the Future II' By Meghan Young | Published 2010-07-07 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/power-laces References: [gizmodo](http://gizmodo.com/5580328/back-to-the-future-ii-power-laces-are-real) & [instructables](http://www.instructables.com/id/Power-Laces-the-Auto-lacing-shoe/) It's been a while since I've re-watched the cult classic 'Back to the Future,' but I still remember the inspiration for these Power Laces. Looking just as retro as the imagined "futuristic" technology did in the late 80s, despite the cumbersome motor on the back, this shoe tightening technique is pretty impressive. Although Instuctables BlakeBevin could only afford to revamp one [Nike](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nike-project-amplify) shoe with Power Laces, I'm sure there will be more than one 'Back to the Future' fan who will create a complete pair. Simply place your foot into the shoe and [sensors will tighten the laces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lace-up) according to your foot size. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.1/10 - Popularity: 35% | Activity: 81% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion) > [Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/shoes) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Auto-tightening Technology:** Opportunity to develop new and improved auto-tightening technology for shoes and other wearables. - **Retro-futuristic Fashion:** Trend toward retro-futuristic fashion and design inspired by classic science fiction movies like 'Back to the Future II.' - **Smart Footwear:** Growing demand for wearable technology, including smart footwear that can adjust to the wearer's individual needs and preferences. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Footwear Industry:** Opportunity for innovation within the footwear industry, specifically in the development of smart, auto-tightening footwear. - **Sports Industry:** Application of auto-tightening technology in athletic footwear, potentially increasing performance and reducing injuries. - **Healthcare Industry:** Potential to use auto-tightening technology in medical and therapeutic footwear, providing greater customization and comfort for patients. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Laceless Personalized Sneaker Fits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/instapump-fury-3.md) - [Electric Truck Shoe Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/footwear-project.md) - [Robotic Brace Walking Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nike-project-amplify.md) - [Advanced Robotic Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/moonwalkers-x.md) - [Convenient Elastic Shoelaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bread-laces.md) - [Japanese Wrap-Inspired Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vibrams-furoshiki-kicks.md) - [Secure Cable-Accented Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nike-lunar-roam.md) - [Video Game Console Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nike-air-snes.md) - [Mind-Activating Performance Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/Mind-001-And-002.md)