Adidas has partnered with BVG to create a pair of sneakers that have a built-in ticket for travelers to freely use as an alternative to transit fares. BVG is a transit service that operates in Berlin, Germany and the adidas sneakers are designed to imitate the seat covers used by the transit brand. The material of the seat covers is simulated on the exterior of the shoe, revealing the camouflage designs of red, black blue and white shades. The tongues of the sneakers are also crafted to resemble BVG tickets. With ownership of these shoes, one can ride the public transportation free of charge for one year -- from January 16 to December 31, 2018.
Available at the adidas Originals Berlin flagship location, these built-in ticket sneakers are a limited edition offering, with only 500 pairs ready-made at the price of €180 ($215). Compared to the usual price of a yearly BVG transit cost of $871, the shoes are proven to be a valuable deal.
Transit Payment Sneakers
These Sneakers Double as a Payment on Berlin Public Transit
Trend Themes
1. Transit Fashion - The integration of transit services into fashion items, such as sneakers, presents an opportunity for disruptive innovation in both the fashion and transportation industries.
2. Branded Collaborations - Collaborations between well-known brands, like Adidas and BVG, to create unique and limited-edition products open up possibilities for disruptive innovation in brand partnerships and marketing strategies.
3. Alternative Payment Methods - The incorporation of alternative payment methods, like the built-in ticket sneakers, in consumer products offers opportunities for disruptive innovation in the payment and fintech industries.
Industry Implications
1. Fashion Industry - The integration of transit services into fashion items aligns with the growing trend of functional and tech-enabled fashion, presenting disruptive innovation opportunities in the fashion industry.
2. Transportation Industry - Collaborations between transit services and fashion brands introduce innovative ways to engage with commuters and potentially attract new customers, leading to disruptive innovation opportunities in the transportation industry.
3. Payment Industry - The use of alternative payment methods, such as the built-in ticket sneakers, showcases the potential for disruptive innovation in the payment industry by offering convenient and unique payment solutions.