# Connected Sneakers Connected sneakers offer enhanced functionality for wearers. By [Mishal Omar](https://www.trendhunter.com/MishalO) | Published Apr 8, 2019 | Category: [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/technology-trends-and-gadgets) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/connected-sneakers ## Key Figures - Trend score: 4.5/10 - Evidence articles: 6 ## What is the Connected Sneakers trend? **Connected Sneakers:** Sneakers with tech connectivity are on the rise, offering functions that include everything from performance-tracking to reward perks. The technologically integrated sneakers can provide immediate data to the user, which can be used to inform their training and allows them to adjust as needed. ## The consumer insight behind the Connected Sneakers trend Increasingly, consumers are taking their fitness routines more seriously and they are seeking out tools that can help them work out in smarter ways. Often integrated with tech, the tools consumers turn to in order to achieve their fitness goals allow them to keep track of their progress in a way that's seamlessly integrated into their routines. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 6 featured examples - Articles from: Feb 3, 2017 to Apr 3, 2019 - Published: Apr 8, 2019 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence), [Acceleration](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/acceleration) - Megatrends: [Hybridization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/hybridization), [Catalyzation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/catalyzation), [Artificial Intelligence](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/artificial-intelligence) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Connected Sneakers trend ### Connected Athletic Footwear The trend of embedding sensors and technology into athletic footwear for tracking athletic performance and providing real-time feedback is growing. ### AI-Powered Insoles The trend of integrating AI-powered insoles into cycling shoes to provide cyclists with real-time feedback on pedaling technique and for personalized coaching is growing. ### Rewarding NFC Sneakers The trend of embedding NFC chips in limited-edition sneakers to offer exclusive perks and engage an online community is growing. ## What the Connected Sneakers trend means for industry ### For Sports Equipment and Apparel Industry Manufacturers and retailers of athletic shoes, clothes and equipment can leverage connected technology and AI-powered insoles to provide consumers with customized training and better performance insights. ### For Technology Industry The technology industry can focus on developing advanced wearable technology and connected devices that seamlessly integrate into a consumer’s daily routine and improve their fitness routines. ### For Retail Industry Retailers can leverage connected technology and personalized user experiences to create a loyal customer base and improve their online communities. ## Workshop question How could your brand create a more seamless experience with its product/service? ## Trend signals for Connected Sneakers Trend score 4.5 out of 10, from popularity 71%, activity 57%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 71% - Activity: 57% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Connected Sneakers trend 6 featured examples from Feb 3, 2017 to Apr 3, 2019. - [Digitally Connected Workout Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ua-hovr-velociti-2): The Under Armour UA HOVR Velociti 2 Sneaker is Advanced (Category: Fashion) Implication: Opportunity for athletic gear brands to incorporate advanced support and connectivity features into their products. - [Connected Athletic Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cleat-shoe): The Connected Cleat Shoe Has Sensors on the Sole (Category: Fashion) Implication: Creating and integrating the sensors and data analysis software into athletic footwear presents an opportunity for companies in the sports equipment industry to innovate and diffe… - [Rewarding NFC Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/limited-edition-sneaker): Nike's Limited-Edition Sneakers Share Perks with NikePlus Members (Category: Fashion) Implication: The sportswear industry can leverage connected sneakers to provide customers with unique experiences and further enhance brand loyalty. - [AI-Powered Insoles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ai-powered-insoles): Digitsole Is Helping Cyclists With Information Garnered From Their Feet (Category: Tech) Implication: The fitness technology industry can leverage AI-powered insoles to enhance the functionality of wearable devices and provide valuable insights for athletes and fitness enthusiasts. - [Playlist-Connected Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/adidas-speedfactory-am4mls): adidas' SPEEDFACTORY AM4MLS Includes an Embedded NFC Chip (Category: Fashion) Implication: Developments in robotic manufacturing and NFC technology in footwear design offer opportunities for disruption and innovation. - [Bluetooth-Connected Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bluetoothconnected-shoes): Under Armour Announced the Third Generation of Its Connected Sneakers (Category: Fashion) Implication: The athletic wearables industry can leverage bluetooth connectivity and data analytics to create personalized training regimes and improved performance of athletes. ## Recent trend clusters - [Delegated Interfaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/delegated-interfaces) (Tech) - [Adaptive Controls](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/adaptive-controls) (Tech) - [Desk Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/desk-systems) (Tech) - [Spatial Refinement](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/spatial-refinement) (Tech) ## Trending in Tech - [Decor-Led Home Projectors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/decor-led-home-projectors) - [Accessible Fintech Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chequing-account) - [Dual-Wavelength Recovery Wearables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/joint-therapy) - [Pop-Culture WiFi Routers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pop-culture-wifi-routers) All articles: [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech)