You won’t be able to get lost. These limited edition shoes created by engineer Isaac Daniel allow you to be found anywhere by simply pushing a button hidden underneath the sole.
Daniel is the founder of Fele Holding Corporation, which created Quantum Satellite Technology (QST). Available after March 2007 at the tune of $350, the Compass Global 1000 Inventor's Limited Edition will carry the only patented Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite tracking.
You’ll be able to measure heart rate, speed, and body temperature and stress levels—all very important during training for runners, cyclists and other professional athletes. The GPS is equipped with an internal record storage that can contain up to 10,000 records.
The Fele Footwear site suggests that these records could be programmed to hold an individual’s medical history, allergies, and current medications as well as the progress of an athlete during a race so that any need for improvement can be incorporated in the successive training.
Since I’m a very dedicated long distance runner, I use up shoes every couple of months, so these prices might be a little steep for me. I go to the Philadelphia Runner store where they watch me run and walk and ask me questions about my posture and comfort level. Then they recommend shoes based upon my needs-- do I wear out the outside of the shoe? Then a shoe with neutral cushioning is best. Do I need ankle support? How does the shoe feel as I run on the treadmill they keep in the store? Do I need an extra half number for size? Those are all things worth paying for, yet the price of the shoe is not higher.
Although it is nice to time your speed, I do that already with my iPod by selecting the same mile-circuit and soundtrack and working out where I’m at in the music and space. The music is also terrific to use for sprints; nothing like a nice U2 rhythm to pick up your pace.
As for safety, I run only during the day, in parks and trails close to populated areas and with partners. Whenever I’m on a long distance marathon, I bring my mobile phone with me.
The online store offers a competition to vote for your favorite pair of shoes. It does not say what the weekly winners win. As you can see from the form, they do not specify what you’d win and what the criteria for selection are—a raffle? If you’re trying to collect data for a promotional campaign, tell me exactly what you’ll give me in exchange. My information and time are worth something. Are you going to send me email spam?
I tried downloading the Compass Global 1000 catalogue, but every time I clicked on that link, my laptop would freeze all the Internet applications I had open.
If this is a luxury item, the site needs to be designed with that feel in mind. Here’s what my favorite running shoe offered for women looks like. Is the technology alone enough to justify the price? The Final Sprint magazine makes the argument for me; why not incorporate the technology in something that is more portable and durable and leave the shoes alone?
And one more thought on price and style. If Fele/Daniel partnered with a designer, they might have an easier time selling the limited edition concept. Maybe with something like: "The runner wears Prada", or "Walking with Louis Vuitton". Those would be sneakers to show off and communicate status.
Maybe borrow a page off the Pirelli book (or calendar as it may be) and make the design irresistible. I’ve seen and held these shoes, they are just delicious.