# Foot-Based VR Controllers 'Brilliant Sole' Offers a Hands-Free Way to Move Through Virtual Worlds By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2018-12-24 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/brilliant-sole References: [roadtovr](https://www.roadtovr.com/brilliant-sole-wants-put-vr-controller-shoes/) & [brilliantsole](https://www.brilliantsole.com/) Thanks to the [mainstream controllers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cogito-concept) that have been released to support interactions in virtual reality environments, people first and foremost think of the hands—but [Brilliant Sole](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/brilliant-labs-halo) offers a much more intuitive, immersive way for people to get around VR spaces with the feet. Brilliant Sole is a North Carolina-based VR startup that created a [sensor and haptic footwear platform](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/minverse) that can be embedded into insoles. As such, the foot-based, hands-free controllers allow VR participants to immerse themselves while seated, standing or walking. While sensors track the force of a foot at various pressure points, haptic motions give feedback to the foot, making it possible for a richer sensory experience. As of 2019, Brilliant Sole plans to launch a crowdfunding campaign for its technology. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.7/10 - Popularity: 30% | Activity: 42% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Gadgets](https://www.trendhunter.com/gadgets) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Foot-based VR Controllers:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Developing immersive VR experiences that utilize foot-based, hands-free controllers for enhanced sensory feedback. ### Where This Applies - **Virtual Reality:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Integrating foot-based VR controllers into gaming and entertainment industries for a more immersive and realistic experience. - **Healthcare:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Utilizing foot-based VR controllers in physical therapy and rehabilitation to enhance patient engagement and outcomes. - **Training and Simulation:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Implementing foot-based VR controllers in military and industrial training scenarios for more realistic and hands-free simulations. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Haptic VR Walking Boots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ekto-one-boots.md) - [Cyberpunk VR Boots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ekto-vr.md) - [Omnidirectional VR Treadmills](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/omni-one.md) - [Locomotion VR Controller Chairs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vr-motion-simulator.md) - [Metaverse-Ready Locomotive Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kat-loco.md) - [Tactile Bare-Hands Metaverse Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/emerge.md) - [Full-Body-Tracking VR Rigs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/omni-one-core.md) - [Reactive VR Glove Controllers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nova-vr-senseglove.md) - [Membrane-Equipped VR Gloves](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/diver-x.md)