IoT Shoes: A Great Invention or a Waste of Time?
Do we really need smart shoes? I mean, I have been walking around with my regular “dumb” shoes without any issues. After doing some research on the subject, I have concluded that I dislike IoT trainers, but not necessarily IoT shoes. Here's the reason why.
IoT Running Shoes
Thanks to sensors, IoT running shoes are capable of giving the user feedback based on various data via a mobile app connection. While many articles explain how wonderful these trainers are, even the best of them like Digitsole Smartshoe | The World's First Intelligent Sneaker, for instance, make me wonder: do we really need all this data? For those of us who are still starting our IoT journey, the current answer is no. Maybe if the sneakers enabled you to listen to music without carrying your phone, but this is not the case so far. In fact, you are expected to use your phone. That’s why it’s a pass from our perspective, though as mentioned previously, not all experts agree.
Other Smart Shoes
You may think that only running shoes can be found in IoT versions. However, this is not true and there are connected heels, boots, skiing boots and even ballet shoes available in the market.Depending on the shoe, it can have the following features:
- Give you directions (more accurate tracking)
- Be interactive
- Adjust the temperature (more or less heat)
- Be shock absorbent
- Automatic tightening controlled via smartphone
- Light up with different displays
- Monitor how hard you hit the ground with each step for runners
- Sport specific data such as ballet or skiing
- Charge portable devices while they walk by converting leg movements into electrical energy and stores it in an external battery so you can charge your phone for instance
As we can see, smart shoes have many uses. Although we do appreciate the utility for artists or athletes, the one we find most interesting is tracking the whereabouts of people with disabilities. Using smart insoles with GPS tracking to track the location of Alzheimer’s patients, individuals with autism, and veterans with traumatic brain injuries is a brilliant approach that benefits society.
Do you agree with us? Or do you feel that all smart shoes including the simple running shoes are great? Let us know in the comments below.
Nalini
Nalini is passionate about technology and innovation management. She blogs about the impact of emerging technologies, particularly IoT, on homes and industries. She dreams of applying this knowledge to help overcome important challenges in developing countries.
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Sources:
https://www.techflier.com/2016/06/08/top-13-connected-smart-shoes-that-combine-the-best-of-technology-and-fashion/
https://iotbusinessnews.com/2018/03/13/30626-what-wearable-iot-can-do/
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/volvorii-timeless#/
http://cargocollective.com/lesiatrubat/E-TRACES-memories-of-dance
http://lechal.com/
https://isl.co/work/dorothy/
http://www.barcelonastreetproject.com/
http://www.digitsole.com/
http://www.shiftwear.com
http://www.gpssmartsole.com/
https://www.altrarunning.com/iq
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/333155164/carv-the-worlds-first-wearable-that-helps-you-ski
https://www.f6s.com/lund
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/orphe-sart-footwear-for-artists-and-performers#/
http://www.solepowertech.com/#solepower