# Socialization-Enhancing Shoes This Smart Shoe Cuts Off Internet Access So Wearer's Will Socialize By Katherine Pendrill | Published 2016-06-03 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cuts-off-internet-access References: [bustle](http://www.bustle.com/articles/164205-this-smart-shoe-cuts-off-internet-access-so-you-can-look-at-your-friends-and-not) & [anatomicshoes](http://www.anatomicshoes.com/inside-anatomic/in-good-company/) The footwear brand Anatomic & Co. recently teamed up with computer scientists at the [University College of London](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/on-lightspray-cloudboom-strike-2) to create a smart shoe that cuts off Internet access and forces users to take a digital detox. With many people finding it difficult to part with their digital devices, this shoe could be a handy tool for encouraging more face-to-face communication. The newly designed smart shoe has been dubbed 'In Good Company' and it is as stylish as it is powerful. The shoe itself is a black leather brogue finished with a bright blue sole. The inside of the sole contains a Bluetooth transmitter that can be used to control different smartphone settings and Internet access. The shoe gives the user the power to turn off all of their notifications so that they will be forced to socialize instead of looking at their phone. For those who aren't willing to do a full digital detox, there is a feature for whitelisting certain contacts so that important messages are not missed. Although the idea of a shoe that cuts off Internet access will not appeal to everyone, it could be a viable option for those who need help prying their eyes away from their digital devices. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.1/10 - Popularity: 22% | Activity: 62% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion) > [Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/shoes) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Socialization-enhancing Shoes:** Opportunity for disruptive innovation in the footwear industry by integrating technology to encourage offline interactions. - **Digital Detox:** Opportunity for disruptive innovation in the technology industry by developing products that promote mindful use of digital devices. - **Smartphone Notifications Control:** Opportunity for disruptive innovation in the mobile technology industry by creating tools that help users manage their notifications effectively. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Footwear:** Opportunity for disruptive innovation in the footwear industry by incorporating smart features to enhance social interactions. - **Technology:** Opportunity for disruptive innovation in the technology industry by creating products that prioritize human connections over constant digital access. - **Mobile Technology:** Opportunity for disruptive innovation in the mobile technology industry by developing solutions for better notification management and reducing screen time. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Minimalist Co-Branded Mobile Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/boring-phone.md) - [Retro Phone-Free Events](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/before-the-internet.md) - [Uncomfortable Anti-Tech Rings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/uscellular.md) - [Playful Digital Detox Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cheaum-concept.md) - [RFID-Enabled Sport Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/banbroken-artdesign-sport-shoes.md) - [Smartphone-Silencing Pouches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/california-cowboy-out-of-pocket-pouch.md) - [Smartphone Detox Lockboxes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smartphone-lock-box.md) - [Mind-Activating Performance Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/Mind-001-And-002.md) - [Sea-Inspired Anti-Smartphone Cocktails](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smartphonefasting-sour.md)