Exploring Innovations Revolutionizing Smart Shoe Technology

The world of wearable technology has been progressing rapidly, with smart shoes taking one of the places in this evolution. We’re not just stepping into the world of footwear fashion; we are entering the modern world of shoe innovations where fashion meets technology. The integration of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning algorithms (ML), as well as LEDs and Bluetooth connectivity, has enhanced the efficiency of smart shoes, making them excellent choices. In fact, the latest smart shoes facilitate tracking of health metrics such as blood oxygen levels, heart rate, and energy expenditure.

What is Smart Shoe?

Smart shoes, also referred to as intelligent shoes or computer-based shoes, are the type of wearable devices that provide fitness tracking. These are considered one of the most useful and popular innovations in the field of wearable devices. They have sensors, vibrating motors, GPS, and wireless systems, offering continuous monitoring of walking ability and personalized feedback. Adidas, Nike, Puma, Salted Venture, TRAQshoe, and Under Armour Inc. are some of the leading companies in the smart shoe market.

Do you want to explore the latest innovations in smart footwear technology? Keep reading as this blog deep dives into the latest advancements and launches in smart shoes.

Health Monitoring Capability

Wearable devices such as smart shoes are emerging as a game changer for individuals with particular health conditions. Smart shoes integrated with health monitoring sensors allow users to track various health measures such as steps taken, calories burned, temperature, humidity, heart rate, and gait analysis. This makes them a suitable choice for those managing conditions like diabetes.

• Under Armour’s “smart shoe,”— SpeedForm Gemini 2, allows users to track and download all kinds of valuable data such as distance covered, pace, stride length, and calories burned. This data can be synced with a mobile app to monitor progress and obtain real-time feedback on their fitness levels.

Applying Smart Shoes in Remote Patient Monitoring

When combined with remote patient monitoring, smart footwear allows healthcare providers to track different conditions and symptoms in remote patients, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart conditions, and sleep apnea. By doing this, healthcare professionals can monitor and treat remote patients, offering real-time monitoring and personalized care and enhancing patient outcomes.

The rising aging population is one of the key factors contributing to the demand for smart wearables that can support health monitoring. For example, the WHO reports approximately 684,000 fall-related deaths every year worldwide, which are likely to increase with the aging population. Smart footwear can help reduce these numbers by monitoring older adults through sensors, GPS, and RFID technology.

Improving Athletic Performance

With the rising shift towards active lifestyles, the demand for different shoe categories, including advanced running, trail running, and track running, is growing among consumers. Smart shoes are becoming an essential part of athletes’ lives, allowing them to track data such as speed, agility, running style, impact, and balance. Additionally, they can also optimize their performance by gaining real-time feedback. Thus, the rising popularity of athletic footwear among consumers is fueling the athletic footwear market growth. According to Polaris Market Research, the global athletic footwear market is expected to grow from USD 127.14 billion in 2021 to USD 196.62 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of 5.0% during the forecast period from 2022 to 2030.

• In June 2024, Adidas unveiled its most advanced shoe, called "1", capable of automatically and continuously adjusting itself. It can sense the cushioning level using a sensor and a magnet, offering the correct cushioning throughout the run.
• In March 2020, Google teamed up with Adidas and EA Sports to produce smart shoes under its project jacquard smart clothing technology. The smart shoe uses advanced machine-learning algorithms to track the actual physical movements of footballers, such as measuring kicks, shot power, distance, and speed.

Sustainable Tech

As we propel into an era where the impacts of climate change and environmental problems have become a prime concern, technology is evolving to align innovations with the flow of a sustainable environment. In response to rising environmental issues, the footwear industry is increasingly merging smart capabilities and eco-friendly materials. Many companies are now developing technologically advanced yet recyclable shoes.

Adidas is forging partnerships with companies like Pond, Infinited Fiber, and Spinnova to focus on developing regenerative materials for future products. In February 2024, Adidas announced that by 2025, nine out of 10 products by adidas will be sustainable. The company is aimed at switching to recycled polyester including high-performance yarn made from 50% ocean plastic and 50% recycled polyester by 2024.

Industry 4.0 in Focus

Technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT), 3D printing, and big data are emerging as turning points in the footwear industry, enabling connections between shoes and other smart devices. Thus, we should not be surprised if smartphones collect data from footwear to monitor our overall health and activity levels.

In May 2021, Adidas and Allbirds revealed FutureCraft 4D. It was the first item created through both sportswear companies’ partnership. The sneaker features a usual Adidas Primeknit upper but with a 3D-printed sole. It is the first sneaker ever designed and crafted using 3D printing technology.

Implementation of IoT in smart shoes can provide a valuable solution for visually impaired people who usually face difficulties in physical movement. These smart footwears can assist blind users by alerting them to obstacles in their path.Top of FormBottom of Form

Smart Walking Towards Better Future

As this technology continues to progress, smart shoes are set to offer benefits far beyond what traditional footwear can offer. The demand for smart shoes is expected to grow significantly in North America, driven by increasing attraction to fitness, sports, and adventure activities like aerobics, hiking, training, and trail running among consumers.

However, potential research into more efficient energy harvesting methods in the design of smart shoes is anticipated. The upcoming smart footwear market could welcome new materials or designs that capture more energy from walking, allowing the footwear’s electronics to operate for longer periods.