We've been hearing about MIT spinoff VectraSense's
Verb for Shoe "smart shoe"
since 2004, but the company is finally taking preorders, and if you've got an extra $700, you can now blow it on some of the most ridiculous kicks ever designed. Four years and several hundred melodramatic product renders later, the basic idea is the same: an embedded computer automatically adjusts the shoe to your feet, syncs with your PC, and communicates with the shoes of others to exchange contact information. We're not sure why you'd want to drop seven Bens on this functionality (we'd rather carry a cell phone and laptop and wear non-ridiculous shoes, you know?) but hey, if you're going to be a fashion disaster, you might as well do it with wireless capabilities.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
kr @ May 6th 2008 8:25AM
These will go well with my diamond-studded cell phone...
OneLove @ May 6th 2008 9:38AM
You know how much gas that would buy?
Flashpoint @ May 6th 2008 10:13AM
onelove
Thanks to bush economics (with a small "b") $700 buys about 163 gallons (since gas just went up to $4.29)
whipped @ May 6th 2008 5:10PM
I'm sorry to report this to you boys, but I've just paid about this amount for a pair of high heel shoes for my girlfriend. And at least this pair of shoes is closer to $700 in terms of materials used, technology, etc.
All that my gf's shoes have got going for them is some Frenchman's name on the sole and red paint on the bottoms. It's like $10 worth of leather, and maybe $5 in wood. And they're probably made by underage Algerians in some Marseilles shack, and fed old bread and cheap wine.
Damn fashion to hell.
jduley @ May 6th 2008 8:27AM
These will make great shoes for traveling on airplanes. I foresee no issues.
Jeebus @ May 6th 2008 8:23PM
Looks like a really bloated Nike logo
Raheem @ May 6th 2008 8:29AM
I know I'll be lambasted but I so want these :|
Cassini @ May 6th 2008 8:31AM
Yeah, well I suppose these are a step forward (pun intended), because at least they look nothing like these: http://www.engadget.com/2006/03/09/dada-unleashes-code-m-mp3-shoes-on-an-unsuspecting-populace/
dervheid @ May 6th 2008 8:46AM
'Smart' shoe? Only for Dumb Asses with way too much money. Wanna waste $700? Just send it to me!
ahdok @ May 6th 2008 8:51AM
Cool! and the other person doesn't even need smart shoes!
ahdok @ May 6th 2008 8:51AM
No, wait... yes they do.
b33eazy @ May 6th 2008 8:59AM
Very ugly.....
John @ May 6th 2008 9:09AM
Only up to size 13 and full sizes only? $700? Ugly as sin?
hmmm @ May 6th 2008 9:09AM
Anyone seen the movie Elizabethtown? If so, you would know how this comment relates.
Neoprimal @ May 6th 2008 9:38AM
Once Brad Pitt wears it, you'll all want one! No, but seriously...I bet they sell. I mean, why does anyone want ridiculously expensive stuff? Well, because they can buy it...status you know, even if it's ugly.
Neoprimal @ May 6th 2008 9:38AM
Once Brad Pitt wears it, you'll all want one! No, but seriously...I bet they sell. I mean, why does anyone want ridiculously expensive stuff? Well, because they can buy it...status you know, even if it's ugly.
Neoprimal @ May 6th 2008 9:40AM
Sorry, guess I double clicked the button.
gino @ May 6th 2008 9:52AM
An ugly an innacurate flightposite 1
CubeGuy @ May 6th 2008 9:57AM
For $700, I expect to be able to pull off the shoe and use it as a Maxwell Smart cell phone.
guythatcomestoengadgetfrequently @ May 6th 2008 10:12AM
guys, this will give your feet orgasms
then your knees will go weak and fall over
Flashpoint @ May 6th 2008 10:16AM
$700 for a Smartshoe ISN'T SMART
This reminds me of my dumbass colleagues who spend $500 on a pair of Ferrogamos.
$500 for a pair of F*ckin slippers with a silly buckle.
I'll put that $500 into 116 gallons of gas for my S550
ugg.tryptophan @ May 7th 2008 12:01AM
Ferrogamos are pretty cool
Lloytron @ May 6th 2008 11:14AM
Does anyone actually think 'smart shoes' are a good idea? Why the hell do I want wifi or contacts information in my shoes?
The fact that it adjusts itself to your feet is quite nifty, but instead of paying 700 bucks I'd just choose a pair of shoes that fitted instead.
How do you actually exchange contact information? Fiddle around with your feet? I'll jus tuse my phone - that has a screen on it as well, thanks.
"Hey, has anyone seen my shoe charger?"
bradfoje @ May 6th 2008 11:19AM
Yeah... but can they play doom?
BowserUSC @ May 6th 2008 9:26PM
You are an idiot, sir.
captainpease @ May 6th 2008 11:46AM
Watching the NBA playoffs and its players delaying moments of the games to tie their shoes...makes me think "why do we still use laces?". Seems kind of silly at this day and age. I can't believe we still tie our shoes!
alex @ May 6th 2008 11:54AM
I think I'll stick with my "dumb shoes"
Rick @ May 6th 2008 12:27PM
A fool and his money are soon parted...This guy will buy these shoes and then pick up some Monster cables from Best Buy on the way home.
jimmywash @ May 6th 2008 12:33PM
Uhm, trade contact info with other shoes?
Are people really getting paid to come up with these kind of ideas??
jimmywash @ May 6th 2008 12:36PM
These are really ugly, but its a cool idea thats been around for a while:
http://www.soleredemption.com/sneakers/sneakers/new-puma-disc-blaze/
Scarpia @ May 6th 2008 1:11PM
most annoying site EVER!
darren @ May 6th 2008 5:04PM
It would need to be smart for that much money
Al @ May 6th 2008 8:24PM
"...syncs with your PC, and communicates with the shoes of others to exchange contact information."
Why the hell do I want to exchange contact info with a dude that has $700 to waste on a pair of fugly sneakers???