Called “the footwear of the future,” the Lechal Mach Unisex Insoles are Bluetooth-enabled GPS navigators for your feet. It’s as simple as slipping the insoles into your favorite shoe, programming your destination into the app, and you’re on your way. The best part about Lecal smart insoles: haptic technology.
If you get a small vibration in your right shoe, it’s time to go right. If the vibration is in your left shoe…you get the point. There’s absolutely no need for maps, Siri, screen notifications, or the use of your hands for that matter.
The haptic vibrations feel like a tap on your shoulder (but on your feet) and the user can easily configure the intensity and pulse patterns. Lechal’s lifeline – the pods – are what guides the user to her final destination and is called, “the heart and sole” of the footwear. The pods communicate with your phone via Bluetooth allowing you to “feel your way” to your final destination.
Initially designed as a solution to help the visually impaired navigate their world a bit better, Lechal insoles are strategically designed. The haptic pods, for example, are positioned under the most sensitive part of your feet to maximize vibration recognition. Ducere Technologies, Lechal’s creators, also made sure that the insoles were ergonomically sound: lightweight, comfortable, and durable. Just 8.22 mm thick and 24.2 mm wide, the wearer barely notices the insert.
So being that the Lechal insoles are called, “the footwear of the future” it must have some bells and whistles? Whether you’re running around the city or running on a treadmill, the Lechal app has a variety of modes. The fitness mode, by far, is the coolest feature. Lechal can count steps, calculate calories, measure the distance traveled, and even connect with other Android/iOS users. If you want to remotely race to measure performance, just connect with another user via the app, and there you go: the Lechal haptic pods, mid-run, vibrate alerting each user to keep up the pace or go faster. The actual results are entirely up to you.
If you’re interested in using the Lechal insoles for navigational purposes only, then you have the most advanced footwear at your disposal. The app allows you to set your destination, choose your method of vibrating notification, and with a battery life of up to 15 days – you control where and when. Users have access to a full range of navigation options from detailed route guidance to places and points of interest. From the arch support to the cushioned heel cup, the Lechal insoles were designed for maximum comfort – so they’re ready for long distance excursions. They are also available in two sizes with the option of trimming to fit.
The future looks extremely bright for Ducere Technologies and their Lechal Mach Unisex insoles. With plans to set up an SDK open interface, Ducere has given creative freedom to developers in the hopes of adding additional features to their app. The next best thing in footwear may just be Lechal’s virbrating insoles.