In what could possibly be the best pairing since gin and tonic, Nike and Apple have joined forces to create a very posh pedometer.

The Nike+iPod Sport Kit is the latest must-have for the digital generation a pair of trainers which can "talk" to your iPod Nano and update you on your progress, or lack of it.

The clever piece of kit has taken 18 months to develop and can tell you your distance, time, pace and calories burned in real time.

All the data is displayed on your Nano or, at the push of a button, you can have an audio feedback delivered through your earphones.

The kit uses a tiny transmitter fitted into the insole of the trainers to send information back to the iPod.

All runners have to do is insert a small receiver into the bottom of their Nano, which can then be held in a special armband, pop the running shoes on and, hey presto, your trainers are talking to you, giving you upto-the-second information on your progress.

Possibly the best feature of the Nike+ kit is the "power song" option.

Just as your legs are turning to lead and you're thinking about cutting that five-mile run short, hit the play button on your iPod and out belts your power song of choice to ensure you make it to the end.

At £90, the kit is cheaper than a personal trainer the sensor will cost £25 and the first trainer it can be fitted into, the new Air Zoom Moire, will set you back £65.

Although not available in the UK just yet, the kit will be hitting British shores on July 13.

Speaking in New York, Apple's chief executive officer Steve Jobs says the kit is just the beginning: "I think we have come up with something which is really wonderful.

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

But in Brighton, some running experts have their doubts. Frederic T'Sjoen, manager at the specialist running shop Run in Hove, thinks the Nike+ system could be a case of style over substance.

"I haven't seen it but I'd say it is more for gadget people than runners," he says.

"It is a gimmick. The problem with Nike is the design is often beautiful but the technology doesn't always live up to the design.

"If people are looking for a personal training device, they should look at Polar or Garmin, they are the leading firms in that market. They don't make anything else and they do it well."

To find out more, visit www.apple.com or www.nikeplus.com