A partnership between MIT Design Lab and Puma could see living, adaptable, biological shoes become a reality in the future.
'Deep Learning Insoles' and 'Breathing Shoes' are the bio-design products being worked on in the lab.
The Deep Learning Insoles rely on bacteria to get information to the athlete. The top layer of the insole has small crevices in it, where the bacteria can detect compounds in sweat. The bacteria can then respond to the compounds and change the conductivity of the insole. The second layer of the insole responds to the changes and the third layer transmits the information to the athlete's smart device in real-time.
The Breathing Shoe is home to micro-organisms via a biologically active material. The material learns the wearer's heat patterns and opens up ventilation holes based on where the heat is. The shoe then becomes as unique to the wearer as their fingerprint.
The collaboration hopes to shape the future of athletic wear as well as an athlete’s performance, as they'll be able to learn about their performance and fatigue from their shoes, in real-time.
There are no official plans to take these products to market just yet.