Devices, a set of devices, and methods are described to create coordinated, or synchronized, displays of colors by worn fashion accessories, such as necklaces, earrings, shoes, belts, and the like. A master device is defined that sends broadcast, wireless commands to slave devices, which respond with colors and timing in a synchronized way, typically to enhance the experiences of the wearers. Synchronization may include simultaneous lighting, sequential lighting, the same color or coordinated colors. A group ID in messages is defined so that a first set of fashion accessories on a first group of wearers may be controlled by one master, while a nearby second set of fashion accessories worn by a second set of wearers controlled by a second master do not conflict. Operation, including changes from a standby state to an operational state is automatic, using, for example motion detection.

A foot presence sensor system for an active article of footwear can include a sensor housing configured to be disposed at or in an insole of the article, and a controller circuit, disposed within the sensor housing, configured to trigger one or more automated functions of the footwear based on a foot presence indication. In an example, the sensor system includes a capacitive sensor, and the sensor is configured to sense changes in a foot proximity to the sensor in footwear. Information about the sensed proximity can be used to determine a foot velocity characteristic, which in turn can be used to update an automated footwear function, such as an automatic lacing function, or can be used to determine a step count, foot strike force, a rate of travel, or other information about a foot, about an activity, or about the footwear.

A charging system can include provisions for providing power to various systems or components associated with the article of footwear. A charging system may include a charging unit with one or more components configured for use with one or more articles of footwear, where the articles of footwear can include different sizes. The components can be magnetically joined to the article in some cases. Upon connection with a power source, the article may be configured to unlace automatically. In some cases, the charging system can be used to facilitate the transfer of power to components in an automated tensioning system.

In one embodiment, a shoe includes a top portion configured to provide covering to a top of a user's foot, a sole portion coupled to the top portion, and one or more processors embedded within the sole portion. Communicatively coupled to the one or more processors are one or more memory modules, one or more user input devices, and a user output device. The user input device includes at least a microphone. Machine readable instructions stored in the one or more memory modules, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the shoe to: receive a command from a user with the one or more user input devices; process the command from the user; and output information with the user output device relevant to the command from the user.

A wearable may be provided with or configured to provide interactive skin. The interactive skin may be configured for accepting touch input from a user. The interactive skin may include one or more flexible layers and may include or be mounted under a transparent display cover layer such as a layer of clear glass or plastic. Interactive skin may include a touch-sensitive layer that allows a user to provide touch input to the wearable. Display pixels on interactive skin may be used to display visual information to the user. The interactive skin may be configured for detecting a condition of at least one wearable and generating an output function in response to the detected condition.

A foot presence sensor system for an active article of footwear can include a sensor housing configured to be disposed at or in an insole of the article, and a controller circuit, disposed within the sensor housing, configured to trigger one or more automated functions of the footwear based on a foot presence indication. In an example, the sensor system includes a capacitive sensor configured to sense changes in a capacitance signal in response to proximity of a body. A dielectric member can be provided between the capacitive sensor and the body to enhance an output signal from the sensor.

A footwear lacing apparatus can comprise a housing structure, a spool and a drive mechanism. The housing structure can comprise a first inlet, a second inlet, and a lacing channel extending between the first and second inlets. The lacing channel can comprise a spool receptacle located between the first and second inlets, a first relief area located between the spool receptacle and the first inlet, and a second relief area located between the spool receptacle and the second inlet. The first and second relief areas can be linearly tapered between the spool receptacle and the first and second inlets, respectively. The spool can be disposed in the spool receptacle of the lacing channel. The drive mechanism can be coupled with the spool and adapted to rotate the spool to wind or unwind a lace cable extending through the lacing channel and through the spool.

An article of footwear can include provisions for facilitating the installation of various components. During manufacture of the article of footwear, the upper and/or sole structure can include one or more specialized compartments designed to receive the components. The components can be installed in compartments after manufacture of the article of footwear. In some cases, the components can be used to perform different functions in a motorized tensioning system.

An article of footwear can include provisions for facilitating the installation of various components. During manufacture of the article of footwear, the upper and/or sole structure can include one or more specialized compartments designed to receive the components. The components can be installed in compartments after manufacture of the article of footwear. In some cases, the components can be used to perform different functions in a motorized tensioning system.

A lacing system for an article of footwear has a forefoot region, a midfoot region, and a heel region. The system includes a sole structure, an upper attached to the sole structure, the upper having a lateral side, a medial side, and a tongue, a housing that is disposed along the tongue and entirely within the midfoot region, and an electronics assembly enclosed entirely within the housing. The electronics assembly includes at least a motor and a gear assembly. A first lace extends from the housing through a first aperture and a second aperture, and the first lace is drawn into the housing when the motor is activated by a user.