Adidas, the athletic shoe and apparel giant, has married computer technology with its latest running shoe, Adidas 1. The shoes use a 20-megahertz microprocessor implanted in the sole which collects readings and from the shoe's movements and adjusts the fit of the shoe accordingly. This is very innovative and according to Adidas communications chief Uli Becker, the Adidas 1 will turn the industry "upside down" saying:
"This is new territory ... that we want to define."
The Adidas 1 is definitely far removed from the days of Reebok Pump which relied on inserting air around the foot to ensure the most comfortable fit.
The shoes will sell for around $250 which is steep for running shoes but you are getting a 40 gram 20-megahertz processor built in the shoe which might make it easier to swallow.
What would I like to see next? I would love to see the ability to upload music and podcasts directly to your shoes from your iPod or other device. The shoes could then transmit streaming music to a set of wireless headphones. This would provide a user the ability to have both hands free while running or working out. I really don't think this is too far off. The shoe player would need to be done correctly in terms of music compatibility with existing players and music libraries so that users can share and play music from whatever service they already use, rather than creating yet another segmented music service with its own rules.
For more information on the Adidas 1 check out the Adidas 1 web site in addition to these articles on WSJ.com and Gizmodo.
