Adidas 1 running shoe

Adidas will introduce a $250 running shoe in December that alters its properties based on real-time measurements. Michel Marriott of The New York Times writes about the new shoe in today’s issue.

Each second, a sensor in the heel can take up to 20,000 readings and the embedded electronic brain can make 10,000 calculations, directing a tiny electric motor to change the shoe. The goal is to make the shoe adjust to changing conditions and the runner’s particular style while in use.

The heel contains a sensor and magnet to gauge the cushioning needed and relay the data to the microprocessor; a drive train running from the motor makes adjustments.