I am very serious; there exists a pair of shoes that were custom made with a functional GPS inside. These shoes are not some strange model of futuristic materials. To anyone glancing at them, the shoes look like familiar, leather Oxfords with laces and everything.
Created by London-based designer Dominic Wilcox, the inspiration for the GPS Shoe came from Dorothy’s magical shoes in The Wizard of Oz; when clicked together, the shoes would take her home.
Both shoes will communicate with each other through a wireless connection. The right shoe features a tiny LED display that registers your “progress” on the walk, and the left shoe has another LED display that points you in the right direction.
The GPS is embedded in the heel of the shoe, and there is a small tab on the back of the shoe that houses the antenna. In a perfect homage to Dorothy’s glittering red shoes, clicking the shoes turns on the GPS.
Destinations are planned on the computer and uploaded to the shoe via a USB connection. As a finally beautiful feature, the sole is etched with tiny houses, landmarks, and other buildings with a dotted trail between them symbolizing the journey.
Design: Dominic Wilcox
Photography courtesy of Dominic Wilcox
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