What Are Smart Shoes?

The smart shoe is the world's first tennis shoe created by Adidas with a computer chip embedded inside. The sneaker has the ability to adjust itself to a runner's size, pace and fatigue level on an automatic and continuous basis as well as endure difficult running circumstances such as rain and mud.

  1. History

    • The smart shoe has a 0 megahertz microprocessor implanted in the sole.

      Adidas released the smart shoe in 2005 under the name Adidas 1. According to CBS News, the smart shoe was the product of a three-year secret project that took place in Portland, Oregon.

    Function

    • Batteries are included in the smart shoe.

      With the help of a computer chip, the smart shoe adapts itself to better serve the runner. A sensor in the heel determines how much weight the runner compresses in each step taken, and a motorized cable system adjusts the shoe cushioning. The smart shoe is battery powered, and the battery lasts for 100 hours of running.

    Cost

    • Consumers may not have purchased the smart shoe because of its cost.

      The average cost of the Adidas 1 in the United States was $250 in 2005. USA Today reported that the price tag of the smart shoe was four times the average cost of shoe purchases at stores like Foot Locker.

    Discontinuation

    • Adidas discontinued its smart shoe in 2006, only a year after it hit stores. Many consumers claimed that it had reliability issues and sent their pairs back. Shortly after the initial release, Adidas released a new smart shoe called Intelligence Level 1.1. to disappointing sales.

    Fun Fact

    • Unlike most marketing tactics for running shoes, Adidas did not hire celebrity athletes to appear in the first campaign for Adidas 1. The company instead created a commercial that featured the shoe as the hero, titled "Hello Tomorrow" using music from the band, The Yeah Yeah Yeahs.