Altra Running, the young brand of trail running shoes recently acquired by Icon Health & Fitness, launched what it claims is the first “smart” running shoe at the recent Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. Called Halo, it features technology that provides the wearer information in real time on running speed, ground impact force and foot strike zones. The data are measured by a sensor embedded in the midsole. They are analyzed by a special app and transmitted to a smartphone or an iFit GPS Watch. They allow the runner to rapidly adjust his or her gait. Two types of iFit watches also provide other fitness-related capabilities and measurements including a heart rate sensor, an altimeter, a camera, a microphone, onboard music storage, NFC and wireless charging. The Altra Halo shoe is expected to hit the market in the U.S. and Europe later this year.

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