A Look at GPS Sneakers - Are They Worth Purchasing?

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Others can use the GPS shoes for hiking or traveling. The “Blue GPS Shoe” (created by Isaac Daniels) will have a security feature built into them that will allow users wearing them to signal for help. When activated, the shoes work with the individual’s cell phone by adding a link to up to five emergency contacts. By using quantum satellite technology and ID Conex (a monitoring service) a person can be found within a yards distance. The emergency contact or authorities could then take action to find and assist the person signaling for help.

The big issue is invasion of privacy. There is a concern that unauthorized people can get access to individuals being monitored through the GPS shoes. Other individuals will simply not like to be GPS tracked. The ID Conex service that the Blue GPS shoe uses not only keeps track of an individual’s location for emergency situations, but also has an option to post this information on the Facebook website.

The idea of having a shoe GPS device depends on the individual wearing them. A person keeping track of an individual will not be able to see where they are if they are not put on. Since GPS requires a source of power to function, the batteries they will use will need to be recharged frequently.

Another concern with GPS sneakers are cost. The “Blue GPS” shoes (which has yet to be released) is estimated to cost about $350 per pair, along with a tracking service of about $20 a month. The “Ambulator” (created by the GPX Corporation and Aetrex Worldwide) will cost between $200-300 with a monthly monitoring fee of $18-20 dollars.

When considering the pros and cons of GPS shoes, it boils down to an individual's personal needs. For Alzheimer patients, this product may be worth purchasing. However, the thought of an invasion of privacy by someone who may try to take advantage of this technology can be a bit unsettling.