To some, it is the long overdue synthesis of two of the world's most fashionable and recognisable brands, a perfect marriage of design, athleticism and entertainment. To others, it's a posh pedometer that you put in your expensive sneakers.

The latest must-have product for the digital generation, courtesy of Apple and Nike, is a pair of running shoes that uses your iPod to tell you how far you have run and how many calories you have burned.

The Nike+ system, which has taken 18 months to develop, uses a tiny transmitter fitted in the trainers to send information back to the music player with every step. Runners can find out how they are doing by hitting the centre button on their iPod Nano and listening to a spoken update of their progress. Should the hi-tech pavement-pounders start to flag, they can give themselves a quick boost by calling up a pre-chosen "power song" for that all-important motivational lift.

The sensor kit will cost £25 and will be available in the UK from July 13. The first training shoe it can be fitted into, the new Air Zoom Moire, will go on sale at the same time priced at £65. Six more styles will follow.

Speaking at yesterday's launch in New York, Apple's CEO, Steve Jobs, said: "I think we've come up with something that's really wonderful.

"We've just scratched the surface because over time we can do even more sophisticated things."