It took them 100 years but now the shoes are also smart, what can you do with them?

It took them 100 years but now the shoes are also smart, what can you do with them?.

There are more and more smart products on the market: Smart TVs, smart plugs, smartwatches … even a smart trash can that opens automatically! And that still smart clothing has not yet reached the general public, but it is getting closer and closer.

Brands such as Adidas, Nike or the prolific Xiaomi have already made their first steps in the form of sneakers. But, What makes them smart and what do they offer that we don’t already find in a smartwatch? We analyze the existing models on the market.

Smart shoes, an aspiration that does not finish taking shape

Smart shoes are probably one of the “smart” concepts we have longed for the most, fueled by the hype generated by the cinema during our childhood and adolescence.

The first smart shoe was run by Vectrasense and was called Raven ThinkShoe back in 2004. This shoe had a chip capable of distinguish by footprint when we walked and when we ran, adapting by means of a kind of airbag-style inflatable cushion in a matter of seconds.

Shortly after the “Adidas 1” was launched, with a microprocessor that adjusted the pressure of the shoe to the foot with our footsteps through a magnetic system of sensors, helping us run better.

In addition to those sneaker models that fit custom, we have also discovered other smart shoes that measure physical activity and heart rate.

This is the case of the LENOVO YAOFAT F2, a prototype that the Chinese brand presented in 2016 of which we did not know again that they integrated the Intel Curie chip. These sneakers manufactured by Vibram are charged wirelessly, wore LED lights, and collected steps and heart rate.

But the idea of ​​Smart Shoe is very broad and over the years this sector has evolved in terms of performance and presentation, although it is not yet defined: while some brands have jumped into the pool of smart sneakers perfecting their characteristics, others have rejected the idea, opting for the “pod” meters that can be optionally integrated.

The same can be said for aesthetics, where LED lights and a futuristic appearance coexist with more sober models.

These are the smart shoes on the market

Nike HyperAdapt 1.0

Back in 2016, Nike introduced the Nike HyperAdapt 1.0, a shoe that, in the words of its designer, Tinker Hatfield, “anticipated the needs of athletes.”

So much so that embodied an old aspiration from the movie “Back to the Future II”: tie up alone. Its price in Nike is 700 euros.

These shoes integrate an electronic functionality that allows conforms to the contour of the foot like socks. Then, sensors that detect when we stand up with our shoes on, at which time the laces are tied.

So that the cord is to the taste or need of the wearer, it has two buttons on the tongue. It also integrates a series of LEDs in the heel area to check the status of the battery, at which point it will be necessary to place them on some modules that charge them in a matter of three hours to achieve an autonomy of up to two weeks.

The Nike HyperAdapt 1.0 are the first “smart” shoes that the American firm launched on the market, but they have not been the only ones.

Nike Mag

If the previous shoes reminded you of the ones in the movie starring Michael J. Fox, wait until you see the Nike Mag: These are the real shoes from the iconic 80s movie, even in the futuristic design with LED lights on the sole.

Behind this idea is Fox himself, who in collaboration with Nike launched a limited edition of 89 pairs to help fight Parkinson’s. And it worked: a fan from Hong Kong even spent 94,380 euros in one of the bids to win them.

The Nike Mag have the same adaptive design of the Hyperadapt 1.0, adjusting to the foot as if it were a second skin when perceiving how we step with its set of sensors that adapt the lacing. Yes indeed, its aesthetic is identical to that of Back to the Future II, futuristic until 2018.

If you are willing to payThey can still be found on the internet at collectors’ sites and at auctions.

Under Armor Speedform Gemini 3 Record Equipped

From the cinema we jump to another concept of smart shoes, that of Under Armor and its Speedform Gemini 3 Record Equipped, the third generation of the North American brand.

The Under Armor Speedform Gemini 3 Record Equipped track and store all metrics related to movement from the carrier, which can be viewed through the MapMyRun app.

This application (free for the first year) offers in real time the GPS tracking of our daily routine, statistics and workouts.

Its smart characteristics are aimed at runners, influencing their preparation through a curious jump test called Jump Around that reports how ready you are to run.

As a curiosity, these sneakers don’t need batteries, although after 900 kilometers traveled they send you a notice recommending that you renew them. In Runnics for 92.89 euros

Xiaomi Mijia Smart shoes

The Xiaomi’s second smart shoe project (the first was carried out in collaboration with the Li-ning firm) are the Xiaomi Mijia Smart shoes, also known as 90 Minutes Ultra Smart Sportswear, its official name.

These shoes manufactured by Shanghai Runmi Technology incorporate the Intel Curie chip, capable of detecting the user’s movement and storing data such as steps, distance traveled, and speed. Later, these parameters can be consulted through the Mi app, compatible for iOS and Android.

This low-energy chip, which usually has to be purchased separately, is the size of a button, making it unnoticeable. Its autonomy is 60 days, at which point you must replace the button battery that powers it. In Aliexpress from 40.85 euros, although the price may vary depending on size and color.

Altra Torin IQ

The Atra Torin IQ launched in 2018 versions the most popular model of the brand integrating a chip of only 26 grams for “learn to run“.

According to the philosophy of the firm, with its design it is possible to run more naturally and improve our brands, something that is reinforced with the feedback that we can obtain through the application.

Through the app we can see data related to running technique, such as the cadence, impact point, running pace or impact time of our footsteps.

Unfortunately does not have GPS and to start the process it is required to open the app, not automatically, so more than using it as a physical activity tracker, its thing is that it is a complement. At Amazon.com for $ 300.54.

In Engadget | 17 gadgets, apps and services to get fit and help you lose weight