All you need to run is a pair of shoes and a watch.
While that was the case a few years ago, wearable technology has decided to change how we think about running. Apps like Nike+ and MapMyRun started to deliver easily accessible metrics on an interactive social platform. 2015 is an incredibly exciting year, as we are now seeing innovative companies take the next step in running wearables. These devices are building on existing technology to not only provide basic metrics (speed, distance), but to also analyze how you run and offer virtual advice to become a better runner.
Here are the top sport tech running innovators to watch out for this year:
runScribe
runScribe provides advanced 3D insight into the mechanics of how you run. The tiny pod clips onto the back of any running shoe to capture 13 kinematic metrics. The information is stored in the pod as you run and syncs up with your computer afterwards for analysis. The metrics measured gives runScribe a wide range of use beyond the casual runner. Track and Field hurdlers and jumpers can use the metrics to analyze their steps and flight time to improve upon their performance. All of this information is stored on their database to gain a comprehensive view on the running community and highlight common running patterns.
profileMyRun
We recently covered profileMyRun’s smart insole and got to see it in action at CES 2015 in early January. The insole is embedded with pressure sensors that sync up with the user’s smartphone via a low power bluetooth clip. The clip also has a nine-axis accelerometer to measure the angle of footfall. The combination of pressure and angle sensing gives runners a comprehensive measure of their technique. The information is synced up with your smartphone in real-time and the app alerts you when your form starts to slip. This data is stored in the profileMyRun virtual cloud for aggregate running analysis.
Sensoria
Sensoria decided to take a different approach to capture running technique through the use of smart fabrics. The innovative startup infused pressure sensors into their socks to analyze running form. A small bracelet with an accelerometer clips onto the ankle and pushes the information to a smartphone. Just like the profileMyRun system, Sensoria offers a real-time technique advice, so that users can dynamically improve their stride. Sensoria fitness also sells smart workout shirts that can measure workout metrics, such as heart rate. If you’re looking for the smartest fabrics on the market, check out Sensoria.
Zoi
This running wearable acknowledges that technique is determined from the head down and uses a handful of sensors to capture a wide range of data. Pods connect to the shoe and chest to analyze balance and efficiency. Runners can choose to take along a smartphone for real-time feedback tips on their performance. As opposed to the other wearables on the list, Zoi is the first option to provide a virtual coach that records more than what’s going on with your foot. We look forward to seeing future generations of this concept, with added metrics that don’t weigh runners down.
The innovative technologies listed above are what we can expect to see in the second iteration of sports technology. Big data and performance analytics are no longer reserved for the high-tech sports labs. Everyone, from the casual athlete to the elite competitor, now has the ability to take their game to the next level with these solutions. We are looking forward to monitoring the developments of these companies throughout the year and the impact that they’ll have on the wearable technology and running market.
Lexi Nastos has a passion for running. He was a competitive sprinter at Cornell University and has started working on the functionality of wearable technology solutions. Running form fascinates him, and he firmly believes in new technology furthering our collective understanding of how we move. His blog aims to uncover the best practices for running technique, resulting in faster times and fewer injuries. His background is in digital marketing at the agency Maison MRKT.