Vivobarefoot and wearable smart technology company, Sensoria, are combining their areas of expertise to help power up runners.
The companies are set to launch the Vivobarefoot Smart Shoe powered by Sensoria, the first IoT-enabled shoe with an ultra-thin sole that allows the foot to move naturally. The shoe will be available for purchase in the second half of the year.
The new shoe, with one layer of fabric-thin pressure sensors, enables users to record natural movement without any underfoot padding or interference.
“Our new connected smart shoe will play a pivotal role in educating people about natural movement,” Galahad Clark, Vivobarefoot founder, said in a statement.
Equipped with the thinnest pressure sensors in the world and Sensoria Core hardware that collects data and streams to the user’s mobile phone, the connected device detects impact, foot landing and contact time metrics.
From there, a natural running transition training plan with artificial intelligence technology delivers real-time audio and visual feedback to both a mobile app and web dashboard. The system monitors speed, pace, cadence, GPS track, foot landing technique, ground time, impact score and eventually, asymmetry and toe engagement.
“With the new Vivobarefoot Smart Shoe, natural runners are empowered with real-time feedback to help them run faster, farther and healthier,” said Davide Vigano, Sensoria CEO and co-founder. “Sensoria’s proprietary sensors, microelectronics and the new Sensoria Run 2.0 app make it easy for runners to identify bad habits and correct them, helping to improve running form and minimize the risk of injuries.”
The companies announced the development of the shoe at CES 2017. The Las Vegas-based technology show, taking place again this week, has become a hotbed for footwear innovations.
On Monday, French company E-vone introduced a smart shoe that detects when the wearer falls and sends alerts messages to emergency contacts or emergency services.