Today, speed can be more than just natural talent. Improving speed and running ability requires careful analysis of technique, and the Sensoria Fitness Sock is designed to do just that.
This newly developed “smart sock” by Heapsylon involves a sensor-filled sock, an attachable anklet, and a smart phone app to coach users on their running technique. The sock itself contains proprietary e-textile sensors that count steps, measure speed, and track calories, altitude, and distance. However, this product is valued for its advanced ability to track cadence, foot landing technique, and weight distribution on the foot—something that no other footwear has attempted.
An electronic anklet snaps on to the sock and communicates this information to external devices, which is then available for real-time analysis via audio cues on Bluetooth enabled smartphones. Heapsylon also introduced a t-shirt and sports bra with similar functions, stressing the comfort, customizability, and machine-washable nature of their products.
Running and jogging are the most common form of cardiovascular fitness in the United States. However, 70% of active runners suffer from foot-related injuries. Insoles and orthotics have served as remedies, but the Sensoria Fitness Sock hopes to replace these products by offering a permanent solution.
The Bluetooth enabled feature of this smart sock gives users audio as they run, acting as a coach analyzing the technique of each step. Injury-prone running styles such as heel striking or unequal weight distribution is detected and relayed back to the runner. Thus, runners can make changes on the fly and learn and make instant corrections. This information is also available upon completion of the run, allowing users to track goals and improvement. This product is designed to improve runners’ techniques and help them avoid injury, but can also be applied to competitive runners and athletes.
Competitive races are often decided by tenths, or even hundredths of seconds, and racers strive to gain any competitive edge. While some have turned to steroids and performance enhancing drugs, others have utilized top-level coaching—but the Sensoria Fitness Sock captures technique at an unmatched level of precision.
Coaches can view runners’ technique live and on tape, but the science behind Heapsylon’s e-textile proprietary sensors gives an advantage to any competitive-level racer hoping to shave a second off their racing times. Running is a basic activity that anybody can do, but as a sport, the slightest enhancement in foot placement or weight distribution can be the difference between bronze and gold. In essence, this smart sock is designed for a wider audience than casual joggers—it can improve speed, and in turn, improve the careers of competitive racers no matter the distance.
Speed applies to professional American team sports as well. While emphasis is placed on pitching and batting in baseball, and catching and tackling in football, running is involved on every play and can change the outcome of games (just ask Red Sox fans about Dave Roberts’ stolen base in 2004). 40-yard dash is a clear indicator of speed, and a common indicator of future NFL talent—but not all athletes are born with track-star quicks.
Manti’ Teo’s character was under tremendous scrutiny for a “catfish” incident, but his career was under scrutiny when he was unable to run a sub-4.8 40-yard dash. His projected draft stock plummeted, and NFL scouts were concerned. Enter the Sensoria Fitness Sock—an ideal tool to help Te’o train and improve technique. While Te’o eventually improved his time to 4.69 seconds, the proprietary sensors in this smart sock would have acted as an additional coach and ally to help this husky Hawaiian reach his dream of playing in the NFL.
The average person could not tell you what a Linsfranc injury is, but NFL fans and fantasy football players can. In just the past year, Jake Locker, Le’Veon Bell, and Santonio Holmes were sidelined with this mid-foot injury. The NFL has seen a steep rise in this type of injury over the past few years, causing concern for athletes and coaches.
Although Linsfranc injuries are a rare injury associated with football, high-ankle sprains are far more common. Add Adrian Peterson, Jay Cutler, and Roddy White to the injury report. There is no denying that football, in addition to most professional sports, involves wear and tear on the foot; but the Sensoria Fitness Sock can lessen the incidence of these injuries by training athletes to run “safer.”
Heapsylon plans to release their smart sock in April 2014, bundling four pairs of socks with the attachable anklet for $199. Expectations are high, but it will be interesting to see if the Sensoria Fitness Sock gains traction outside the target group of casual runners.