Smart shoes for the social networker

Last week, I wrote about the Wi-Fi detecting sneakers that feature embedded LEDs on the flap which light up when they detect a wireless signal. While those shoes were merely a concept, the Verb for Shoe sneakers featured on Engadget are not.

After four years of being just another cool concept, VectraSense finally completed its 'Verb for Shoes' and is currently taking pre-orders. The shoes are special because they have an embedded computer in the sole that can adjust the level of support, and can wirelessly exchange contact information with other Verb for Shoe wearers.

Contact information is not shared automatically between users walking down the street. As a matter of fact, both users have to tilt their shoe in a certain way until the shoe beeps five times. Once the user is ready to access all the contact information stored in his shoe, he simply connects a wireless digital link to his computer, and holds the shoe upright for a total of five seconds.

It's a very interesting design, but only those willing to pay $700 will get to try on the high-tech smart shoe since this is a custom made product. Nike has turned regular sneakers into smart shoes with the Nike+ sensor, so maybe the idea of having smart shoes is not so far fetched after all.