Comment by bialecki | Hacker News Reader

Comment by bialecki | Hacker News Reader

Quick thoughts from an active runner (70-80 miles/wk):

- Figuring out when my shoes wear down is not, IMO, a big problem. I can look at the soles and tell or I know after about 500 miles it's time to switch it up.

- That said, it is incredibly important to switch shoes (or replace soles) when they wear down. I've been fortunate to not run into too many injuries, but I've been hobbled more than once by not taking the time to get new shoes. There is definitely an opportunity for some shoe company online to send me an email every X months with a 20% of coupon for the SAME PAIR of shoes I always buy. I'm sure they could figure out how serious of a runner someone is by the shoes they buy or repeat purchases.

- Now, I might buy one of these to see what kind of data it stores because I believe the future of pedometers/activity tracking is they'll be cheap enough they'll come built into shoes. In 5-10 years I expect to buy shoes that come with a $5 pedometer/tracking device built in and that would be a killer feature. No FitBit to wear, etc., just something that shoes come with. That'll be awesome.

Though I completely agree with you, the problem these guys are trying to solve is when does the mid-sole break down, which can happen before your shoes look worn.

The bigger problem is that depending on the shoes and milage and runner, I believe the destruction of the shoe will vary.

Having said that, I too don't think there is a market here, but think your idea of a discount on my next pair of shoes is a great idea.

Thanks for your feedback.

If you're running a 70+ hours a week we would consider you more then an active runner :).

As I mentioned in a different reply, this is our MVP. I invite you to follow our progress and as we move into the future version of the device you'll see much more value from our pod.

amateur runner/triathlete here:

- i do agree that this is not a real problem. i do exactly as you say, i check my soles every now and then, and if i see any deterioration, the shoes go straight to the bin. i wouldn't be a user of this product, having said that;

- your idea of "email (me) every X months with a 20% of coupon for the SAME PAIR" i think is a great idea. i tend to buy 2/3 pairs of the same running shoe every time. if instead i could establish a rule that after x distance i get sent a new pair that would be another thing off my to-do list. there is definitely a subscription model here somewhere.

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