Forget those retro mini consoles that are all the rage at the moment. Another piece of vintage technology is officially back from the grave: a computerized running shoe from the 1980s.
Originally launched in 1986, Puma's RS-Computer shoe was far ahead of its time. With a computer chip embedded in its heel, the shoe "automatically recorded the time, distance, and calories expended and could communicate the results once connected to any Apple IIE, Commodore 64 using a 16-pin cord," Puma wrote in a news release.
Now, Puma has given the RS-Computer an upgrade for 2018, complete with Bluetooth support and a dedicated app, while keeping the same iconic look from the 80s.
As for specs, the 2018 version comes with a "miniature 3-axis accelerometer" in each shoe that can measure the number of steps you take, your distance traveled, and calories burned. They use Bluetooth to connect to your iOS or Android device and transmit data to the RS-Computer Shoe app. They have enough memory to store 30 days' worth of data, and a lithium-polymer battery, which can be recharged with a USB cable.
In terms of aesthetics, the new version "retains the original Lunar Rock–Limestone–Peacoat colorway" and the iconic protruding heel design from 1986.
Hoping to get your hands on a pair? Don't get too excited: Puma plans to release just 86 pairs globally, honoring of the year they were first released. Each pair will have a number on inside the tongue. They'll be available at Kith stores and on Puma.com in the US and Japan, and at Puma stores in Tokyo, London, and Berlin.