An insole may include an insole body in a shape receivable in a shoe; an electronic element provided in the insole body; a connection line configured to electrically connect to the electronic element and including a contact terminal exposed to the outside of the insole body; and a connector including a detachable member configured to at least partially protrude outward from the insole body and configured to support the contact terminal.

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 position sensing assembly for a tensioning system designed to provide tension to a lace, cord, or other type of strand is disclosed. The tensioning system includes a reel member configured to rotate about a central axis and the position sensing assembly. The position sensing assembly includes a shaft, an indicator tab, and an optical sensing unit. The position sensing assembly assists in controlling the degree to which the strand is tightened and loosened. The position sensing assembly prevents tightening of the strand when the strand is meant to be loosened.

Various sensor systems are described herein, including inserts having sensors thereon, which are configured to be received in an article of footwear. The inserts may be connected to a sole member of the footwear, or may function as a sole member. The sensors may be piezoelectric sensors in some configurations. The system may also include an electronic module that is overmolded into the sole structure and includes a connector for external access.

A position sensing assembly for a tensioning system designed to provide tension to a lace, cord, or other type of strand is disclosed. The tensioning system includes a reel member configured to rotate about a central axis and the position sensing assembly. The position sensing assembly includes a shaft, an indicator tab, and an optical sensing unit. The position sensing assembly assists in controlling the degree to which the strand is tightened and loosened. The position sensing assembly prevents tightening of the strand when the strand is meant to be loosened.

Systems and methods for operating a vehicle using a smart shoe device. For example, some embodiments of the application may monitor operation of a vehicle system and monitor operation of a smart shoe device. The process may determine that the smart shoe device is within a threshold period of time of performing an future action associated with commanding movement of the vehicle and enable a response by the vehicle based on the future action.

A light-up speed sensing shoe apparatus for tracking speed and motivating runners includes a shoe body, an outsole coupled to the shoe body, and an insole coupled to the outsole within the shoe body. An impact sensor is coupled within the outsole. The impact sensor detects a speed at which a wearer is running. A microprocessor is coupled within the outsole. The microprocessor is in operational communication with the impact sensor. A battery is coupled within the outsole and is in operational communication with the microprocessor. A plurality of lights is coupled to the outsole and is in operational communication with the microprocessor.

A ski boot adjustment system includes an adjustment mechanism which tightens and loosens a portion of a ski boot, a triggering device that selectively actuates the adjustment mechanism, and a controller that monitors pressure in the portion of the ski boot during operation of the adjustment mechanism. A user can use the triggering device and adjustment mechanism to customize the fit of the ski boot in different regions thereof. The adjustment mechanism can include air bladders, automated motorized straps, or other tightening features. The triggering device can be a manually operated trigger on the ski boot or a remote computing device in wireless communication with the controller, such as a smartphone operable by the user, a transmitter within a ski mat onto which the user steps, or another form of transmitting device.

Articles of footwear, systems, and methods include an upper portion, a lower portion, secured to the upper portion, the lower portion including an out-sole and an airbag assembly. The airbag assembly includes a first sheet and a second sheet forming a seal therebetween around a perimeter of the first and second sheets. The airbag assembly further includes an electronic assembly, comprising a circuit board and electrical conductors disposed on the circuit board, wherein an internal portion of the electronic assembly is disposed between the first and second sheets and within the seal formed therebetween and an external portion of the electronic assembly is disposed outside of the seal.

A gesture recognition device configured to detect a gesture performed by a user to actuate a motor of a closure mechanism of an article of footwear. The gesture recognition device may include a sensor unit with an accelerometer sensor, and an analysis unit in operative communication with the sensor unit. The analysis unit may be configured to execute a gesture confirmation algorithm to confirm or reject possible gesture event data received from the sensor unit as a true gesture event. If the gesture confirmation algorithm confirms the possible gesture event data as a true gesture event, the analysis unit may output a signal to actuate the motor.