# Kinetic Energy Harvesting Shoes InStep NanoPower Footwear Technology Transforms Steps into Energy By Michael Hemsworth | Published 2016-02-12 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/energy-harvesting References: [gizmag](http://www.gizmag.com/energy-harvesting-shoes/41796/) & [news.wisc.edu](http://news.wisc.edu/power-walk-footsteps-could-charge-mobile-electronics/) The race towards finding effective ways to power modern technology has created a number of energy harvesting innovations like InStep NanoPower. Working with kinetic principles, the InStep NanoPower technology transforms footsteps into energy that can be used to power and charge electronic devices. The prevalence of smart technology like smartphones and wearables has created a new demand for more flexible energy solutions. InStep NanoPower technology would enable users to simply walk to power devices and limit the amount of downtime they experience. Created by a team of researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the energy harvesting technology is created in collaboration with footwear brand Vibram. While the technology is currently in testing phases, it shows promise of what could be made commercially available sooner than later. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.0/10 - Popularity: 78% | Activity: 95% | 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) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Kinetic Energy Harvesting:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Developing and implementing more efficient kinetic energy harvesting technologies to power electronic devices. - **Flexible Energy Solutions:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Creating versatile energy solutions that can adapt to the increasing demand for power in smart technology. - **Smart Technology Wearables:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Designing wearable devices that can be powered by kinetic energy harvesting technologies, reducing the reliance on traditional power sources. ### Who This Affects Most - **Renewable Energy:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Integrating kinetic energy harvesting into renewable energy systems to enhance overall power generation and efficiency. - **Footwear:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Collaborating with energy harvesting technology companies to develop shoes that can charge electronic devices while walking, introducing a new feature to the footwear industry. - **Electronics:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Incorporating kinetic energy harvesting technology into electronic devices to provide a more sustainable and self-powered alternative to traditional charging methods. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Efficient Energy Harvesting Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/efficient-energy-harvesting.md) - [Stretchable Sweat-Activated Yarn Batteries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/yarn-battery.md) - [Stride-Assisting Wearables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/evolve-mvmt.md) - [Smart Posture Insoles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/esteps-health.md) - [Ultra-Fast Walking Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shift-robotics-moonwalkers.md) - [Kinetic Power Health Wearables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mother-bracelet.md) - [Battery-Free Health Wearables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/uci.md) - [3D-Printed Smart Insoles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3d-printed-customized-insoles.md) - [Ankle-Support Wearable Mobility Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wearable-mobility-device.md)