For any athlete, buying a pair of shoes is a key step, whether professional or amateur. And many times, without advice, you can make mistakes. But, What if it is Artificial Intelligence that gives the advice? An amateur runner tried it out.
Her name is Bree Fowler and she wrote about her experience on CNET. With less than 100 days to go before his first marathon, the traditional New York marathon, Fowler consulted with the specialized store Fleet Feet, which has an AI to give the most accurate assessments.
Software name: Fit Engine.
“When I was offered the chance to try out Fleet’s new and improved AI-powered shoe fitting software, I went for it. But that doesn’t mean she wasn’t skeptical about her capabilities.” stressed the runner.
According to Fowler, Artificial Intelligence provides a way to provide specific foot dimensions for employees. It also adds the sample of the best inventory designs.
“AI is not designed to replace knowledgeable employees,” stresses Michael McShane, a manager at Fleet Feet in New York. “It only gives them a better starting point for finding shoes with the right fit.”
This is how Fleet Feet Artificial Intelligence works for sneakers
The runner’s feet underwent a 3D scanning process, called Fit ID. There precise measurements were taken in four different areas: the length of the feet, the height of the arches, the width of the toes and the space needed for the heel.
Also, the plates in the scanner measure how the person stands and carries his weight.
Fowler discovered that one of his feet is more than half a height than the other. Also, that both feet measure more than their usual size, 9 or 9.5. “I have to admit that it was still a bit traumatic to try on shoes a size larger than that for the first time,” she said.
Finally, the broker bought some Mizuno Wave Rider for $105. The extra highlight is that he bought a pair of insoles ($55) adjusted with the help of Artificial Intelligence, and socks to prevent blisters, opting for $18 Feetures Elite Ultra Lights.
Although the New York Marathon is on November 5, Bree Fowler did 40 kilometer runs to test. It fit very well in his shoes, but he still struggles with the insoles.