Nike+ 26

A design challenge created by graphic design student Paul Jenkins and dubbed Nike78 has tasked participants with rethinking the function of a brand new pair of Nikes. The contest name pays homage to 1978, the year Nike started producing sports shoes.

For his creation, "Nike+ 26," Michael Robinson embedded a shoe with 26 lights, 1 for every mile, so anyone can see how far the wearer has gone.

"For each mile you run, a light goes on from the back of the trainer to the front so that when you pass someone running, they know you're faster and have gone further," the designer says.

Read more in our related article: "Repurposed Nikes swim with the fishes"