Shoe Biz Redux

Last month, I wrote about German shoe maker Adidas' new, $250, computerized Adidas 1 running shoes that automatically and continuously adjust the shoes' cushioning based on the runner's gait. Each shoe has a 5-MIPS processor in it (presumably there's a left processor and a right processor). Each processor accepts feedback data from a magnetic impact sensor, computes the "optimal" amount of cushioning using a "proprietary" algorithm, and drives a small electric motor that adjusts the shoe accordingly. It turns out that a real runner can feel the difference. For a positive, hands-on (feet-on?) review of the Adidas 1 shoes, see Frank Bajak's MSNBC article online.

For a nice exploded diagram and technical explanation of the shoe, click here.