How many times have you proclaimed your good intentions to start a new exercise routine, only to be found a week later lying on the couch with a cheese sandwich and a chocolate bar watching Oprah? The problem with fitness routines is that after 10 squats and a jog around the park you get the slightest inkling that you've become almost buff, so you take a break. It is this motivational problem that the new Airun Plus trainers aim to run out of town.
But how can a pair of shoes be gadgety, you ask? Well these trainers have on board a "Smart Technology Controller" which sounds nifty, and it is. It allows you to enter your personal details including your weight, height, age and gender and then calculates a variety of statistics related to your current physical condition and performance. It will tell you your BMI, and the recommended amount of calories you need to burn which is useful information, but not much good if you don't know if your walk in the park burns 20 or 200 calories. This is where the Smart Technology Controller comes into its own, as it also tells you your calories burnt, percentage of recommended exercise achieved, steps taken, distance travelled and the time you've spent exercising. Now can your current pair of Pumas do all of that?
The sole of the right shoe is also equipped with a sensor to measure your speed and weight that you are putting down. This provides for accurate statistics relating to your performance and more analysis that your average personal trainer would provide (how many of them keep a speed camera in their bum bag?).
Another unique feature of these shoes is the weighted innersoles that come with them. This interesting idea is inspired by athletes who have used ankle weights to increase muscle and bone development as well as exercise intensity, meaning the kilos should melt off just that bit quicker. There are two weights to choose from, a lightweight one which brings the total weight of you shoe to 454 grams, and for the less physique-challenged, there is a heavyweight innersole meaning each foot lifts 938 grams.
Granted the Airuns aren't as sleek as the latest stylish offering from Lacoste, but ultimately they would still do justice to your baggy T-Shirt and shorts. The main aesthetic issue with these shoes is that the Smart Technology Controller is connected to the right shoe only, so for those of you for whom symmetry is important, you may experience feelings of distress whenever you look down at your feet.
Retailing at £125, they're a bit more expensive than your average shoe, but quite a bit cheaper than a personal trainer.
Available from Love Those Shoes