Reviews for Nike + iPod Sport Kit

Thankfully I only purchased this item because it happened to coincide with my shoes of choice.

The shoe/sensor combo works great until you go to wirelessly upload your data and get to the nike+ login screen... and you get to the login screen... and you get to the login screen... and you get to the login screen... Yes you guessed it, you cannot login from your iphone to upload the data and ITunes no longer supports a manual upload for 3GS and up--supposedly it still works with a nano.

After further research this occurrence has been taking place for months with no fix from Nike in sight--Nike keeps insisting that you clear out your cookies and change your language, or suggests that you try all browser platforms available (yes that is right, they keep switching the issue from a mobile login issue into a browser issue... sigh)

So, after plunking down $29 for a defective product, it turns out that the free nike+ gps app, available at the app store, works great--you can actually login to the nike+ site and upload your run data! This being said, the perk of having a analog sensor in your shoe, is that you can compile off the grid data where one's GPS enabled phone cannot go...just do not expect to track it on the website.

80 of 91 people found this useful

Well, I have to say that I found this product to be a disappointment for the following reasons:

(1) Once I start a workout I can't switch between playlists. If I am listening to a podcast and want to change to my workout playlist I can't unless I stop my workout and start a new workout. Once I have started a workout, the only music I can change to is the first song in my song list (ABC!). Why can’t I switch to another playlist during my workout?

(2) I can’t select when I receive verbal feedback. I receive no verbal feedback until the half way point of my distance but then near the end of my run I receive feedback every few seconds. Why isn’t there a way for me to select how often I want to receive verbal feedback during my run (eg each 0.5/1 mile)?

(3) There is no way of knowing if my sensor is turned on by looking at the sensor (such as a red led light), no proper on/off switch and no way to change the battery in the sensor. Which means the sensor stays on the whole time and then you have to buy a whole new sensor.

(4) I wanted to buy coaching tracks through Itunes where I could have professional athletes talk me through the various stages of my run. Unfortunately there is barely a handful of coaching tracks in Itunes and you can’t just buy the coaching tips, you have to buy the athletes’ music collection as well. Why aren’t there coaching/motivation tips from more athletes and why can’t I receive these tips whilst listening to my own music?

All in all, this is the only Apple product that I have bought that I have been disappointed with.

75 of 83 people found this useful

If I'd written this review 6 months ago then it would be full of praise but sadly I didn't. I've just returned from a run to discover that my sensor has run out of juice and before I tried to force my fingernail between its almost invisible seam, in the hope of replacing the battery, I thought I'd better read the instructions for a change. Well I've now read them. I'm not happy. I'm disappointed and feel cheated. Both Nike & Apple need to make it CLEAR on their product description that the sensor has a limited life and will need replacing anywhere between 4 - 12 months. Better still design the sensor with a replacement battery compartment - surely you can manage that. Both of you are renowned for your sophisticated and intelligent designs - so what happened here?

Surely this is environmentally questionable too.

(from the UK)

125 of 183 people found this useful

I used the kit 2 times before it stopped working. Make sure you turn off the sensor if you're going to carry it around in a backpack, car, etc. But those two times I used it it was great!

76 of 86 people found this useful

I already had an iPod nano (5th gen) so I decided to give this thingy a try. It works as described; it has become part of my running routine.

At "warmup" pace, it was very accurate on distance, with no calibration. A 3/4-mile segment was recorded as 0.74 miles. But when I sped up pace, it started to understate actual distance noticeably. The second time I used it was in a 12k race. After recording that race, I noticed an option to use "workout" for calibration (based on me entering actual distance). Since I knew exact distance as 12k, and I ran it at a typical (for me) pace, I used it for calibration. Since then, its distance estimates have been more accurate.

During run, iPod states (by voice and on screen), elapsed time, distance covered, and current pace (on command). That info is very helpful, like having a coach. Meanwhile, iPod plays songs from a playlist, when it's not "talking."

It works with any shoes, as long as there is a way to attach it securely. I ordered a "pouch" for the sensor, but before it arrived, I wrapped a rubber band around the sensor (the long way) and place the sensor under the first two shoe lace crossings. The rubber band kept it from sliding out; I used it in the 12k race this way with no problem.

The pouch I got is by Marware. The sensor ends up on top of the first two shoe lace crossings. It works fine, and it is easy to move the pouch (with sensor inside) between shoes.

70 of 75 people found this useful

If accuracy is not an issue for you, then this item may be worth the cost. You get what you pay for, and 30.00 for an item like this is relatively cheap. I want to know exact distance, time and pace, and had I known the limitations of this device I would have saved my money. The online advantages are sweet, but the calibration of this device does not take into account times when your pace changes. Not everyone runs the same pace every day in the same weather on the same terrain. This device can be off as much as a .25 to .50 mile. If you are a regular runner wanting accuracy for training, save your money and buy a Garmin Forerunner. You won't be disappointed. If you are a treadmill trainer, this device is for you...but of course just look at your readout on the dash of the treadmill and you have all the same info there.

112 of 160 people found this useful

The concept of this product is great. However, after receiving it as a gift for Christmas 2007 and only having run 40 miles, I am getting a low battery warning for the sensor. These shoes are only used when running, so there should be no problem. Since item was a gift, I have no receipt to return and Apple requires I purchase a new one.

84 of 105 people found this useful

great! i dont have nike+ shoes and it works great. i just wished i had waited a bit longer because now you can buy just the sensor if you have the touch!

75 of 88 people found this useful

I don't love running. I don't even like running. However, I need to exercise and running is the most convenient (in terms of time and equipment needed) way to accomplish that goal. I have to say that the nike+ system together with my nano is a great motivator to getting out there. I really like the nike website which allows you to challenge yourself and others in numerous ways. It's this kind of competition that makes me want to go run. The device itself has worked flawlessly. I have used it with Nike shoes and in other shoes by attaching the sensor to the shoelaces. Either way it has worked great! I would highly recommend this product!

69 of 77 people found this useful