In the fictional year of 2015, Marty McFly’s self-adjusting sneakers marked the beginning of a new era for sneaker brands. Since then, they have been trying to envision the future with their products in the real world. While some have achieved success, such as the Puma RS Computer and Nike Air Max from the 80s, others have fallen short.
The focus on wearable technology has shifted from sports brands to tech companies. Samsung recently introduced Shortcut Sneakers that allow users to control their cell phones with their feet using motion sensors built into the shoes. This is a leap forward from shoes that improve stride to shoes that assist in mobile phone interaction.
The relationship between technology and sneakers has been a long-standing partnership, with simple solutions like ankle patches and interchangeable plugs offering technological solutions. The Shortcut Sneakers take this concept to another level by allowing users to interact with their mobile phones through motion sensors in their feet. This is a significant departure from shoes that enhance performance to shoes that facilitate communication.
Under Armour also has similar technology in its HOVR Machina sneakers, which track and monitor users’ activity through Bluetooth connectivity. These sneakers provide detailed information on steps taken, speed, and distance covered, offering suggestions to improve performance. Samsung and Roel Van Hoff, the designer of Shortcut Sneakers, are collaborating on an exclusive raffle for six pairs of these sneakers available only to Samsung members in the Netherlands.
The future of sneakers looks promising as technology continues to evolve, providing new ways for users to interact with their devices while wearing footwear in our daily lives. From managing calls to tracking performance, smart sneakers are revolutionizing how we use footwear in our daily routines.
