Running Insight

R edmond, WA-based company Sensoria, which has focused on wearable technology since its inception in 2012, is launching a textile-infused smart sneaker that is designed to not only coach, but also enhance the health and safety of runners. Sensoria Smart Running Shoes (SRS), which feature embedded textile pressure sensors at the plantar area of the foot, utilize a microelectronic component called the Sensoria Core to detect and track key metrics on a run. The brand's artificial intelligence-powered coach, Mara, offers visual and auditory, biometric feedback in real-time. Sensoria which has raised $6 million from investors since 2012, says the SRS shoes are well-suited for distance runners due to Mara's ability to talk to users and detect core metrics such as cadence, foot landing and impact forces exerted by the runner. The ultimate goal is to teach wearers of the shoe how to become better, more efficient runners while also reducing the risk of injury. Sensoria is offering a $99 special online to consumers for pre-orders on the smart shoe. It will be available in yellow, black, red or blue, and will retail for $199 once the pre- order holiday promotion ends. The price tag includes the Sensoria Core, a dedicated USB charger and a pair of textile pressure-infused smart running shoes. Meanwhile, late last month, Sensoria co- founder and CEO Davide Vigano appeared on CNBC's "Adventure Capitalists" seeking a $1.5 million investment for five percent equity. The show's four young investors, including Olympic skier Jeremy Bloom, U.S. gymnast Shawn Johnson East and former NFL linebacker Dhani Jones were given an opportunity to wear-test the brand's smart socks, T-shirt and sports bra. While there was favorable reaction by some, all of the investors passed on the proposed investment that values Sensoria at $30 million. —Bob McGee n 22 runninginsight.com © 2017 Formula4media LLC. New wearable tech from Sensoria is embedded in its SRS Smart Running Shoe. Sensoria Sets Sights on Smart Running Shoes

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