Stridekick disposable pedometer tells you when to chuck those kicks

Just because you replace your running shoes every time they go all Scruffy McScruffington on you doesn't mean you're necessarily doing your feet a service. Podiatrists, running experts and overprotective moms the world over agree that you should replace your running shoes at around 350-500 miles, which is a good bit before most shoes start showing visible wear. To the rescue is Stridekick, a disposable pedometer designed to be attached to your laces -- a la Nike+iPod -- which tracks the mileage you've put on your shoes on a small display so you know when to throw them out. The device was developed and patented by a pair of Babson College MBA students, who have received an $11,500 grant to develop their idea. Apparently they're already in discussions with running shoe manufacturers, so it might not be too terribly long until you'll start getting nagged by yet another teensy sensor that thinks it's smarter than you.

[Via The Raw Feed, image via The Final Sprint]

[Pinhead @ Dec 30th 2006 12:10PM]

Damn man! Them kicks is crushed...

[Kevlar @ Dec 30th 2006 1:09PM]

Scruffy McScruffington? Damn, Engadget, you sound like my sister!

[citykids @ Dec 30th 2006 2:17PM]

Who needs a sensor, Wouldn't the smell be enough to tell you?!

[Chasqui @ Dec 30th 2006 2:37PM]

I'm sure shoe manufacturers would love to foist this on us. Your shoes need replacing! The sensor says so - and sensors don't lie! I'll keep my stinky chucktalors until they fall off my feet, thank-you-very-much.

[xXxRachelxXx @ Dec 30th 2006 3:14PM]

Yeah, but you never kick the chucks!!!

[AndrewNeo @ Dec 30th 2006 4:18PM]

But if Chuck kicks you..

[Dan @ Dec 30th 2006 3:47PM]

as long as the shoe manufacturers don't add a speaker...
*step*
"BUY NEW SHOES!!"
*step*
"BUY NEW SHOES!!"

[tekdroid @ Dec 30th 2006 4:30PM]

the world needs this? A grant was given to develop this? Hmmmmm.

Yet more waste. A recycling grant for all the useless junk we are making, please.

[Michal G @ Dec 30th 2006 6:35PM]

It would be funny after 500 miles the shoes start yelling at you to buy new sneakers. What about them homeless people? :(

Also, what if it malfunctions and after 3 miles starts yelling at you. I see a harassment lawsuit against a pair of sneaks coming up!

[JP @ Dec 30th 2006 6:36PM]

coming next: shoes that self destruct once the pedometer hits 500 miles

[beanspants @ Dec 30th 2006 7:42PM]

500 miles? that would be in the range of 100 - 200 running days, or every 6-8 months. i've had my joggers for 5 years!

[Magallanes @ Dec 30th 2006 9:12PM]

It's not the same s### that the epson ink-meter chip?. A chip saying where is enough?.

[hehehhehe @ Dec 31st 2006 3:02PM]

This is idiotic.

Different shoes have different lifespans. Heavier people also wear down the cushioning faster. Most people who are serious about running that would want to know when they should change shoes can either feel it (shoes dying) or they keep track of their mileage.