The Idea Factory: A smarter running shoe

German researchers are developing a biometric sneaker that can help you fine tune your stride

A smarter running shoe
(Image credit: Thinkstock)

An improper stride can injure even the best runner. But what if your running shoes could tell you what you're doing wrong? Enter the Runsafer project. These sensor-laden sneakers, developed by the Fraunhofer Institute in Germany, "provide real-time feedback on your running style," said Andrew Liszewski at Gizmodo. A biometric sensor built into the sole works with an accelerometer and GPS hardware to analyze a runner's technique. The data is then beamed via Bluetooth to an app that offers recommendations for how you can improve — for instance, by striking the ground with more of the forefoot.

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Chris Gayomali is the science and technology editor for TheWeek.com. Previously, he was a tech reporter at TIME. His work has also appeared in Men's Journal, Esquire, and The Atlantic, among other places. Follow him on Twitter and Facebook.