Shimano patents smart cycling shoes that automatically adjust while in motion

Shimano could be preparing one of the most striking developments in recent years: shoes capable of adjusting (tightening or loosening) based on effort and usage conditions. The idea is not just a simple concept, but is backed by a patent application registered in the United States under reference US 2023/0122485.

Sensors, motor, and app: this is how Shimano's self-adjusting shoes are patented

The patent, found and published by road.cc, describes shoes with a BOA-type dial closure, and that incorporate a small battery-powered electric motor that acts directly on the tension mechanism. This motor would be managed by an electronic controller capable of receiving information from multiple sensors.

According to the documentation, the system could interact with a large number of sensors (speed, cadence, heart rate, pressure on the insole, etc.) that would be responsible for detecting external signals and interpreting them:

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Based on this data, the system would automatically modify the tension of the closure. For example, the adjustment could tighten when exceeding 20 km/h, when power increases above a certain threshold, or when transitioning from asphalt to off-road terrain.

In practice, the cyclist could manually set a base adjustment, and from there, the system would act when certain predefined conditions are met. The patent includes different levels of programmable tension, at least four additional to the initial adjustment, which could be modified through a wide variety of devices (mobile, bike computer, computer, etc.) with wireless communication to the shoe.

From a practical standpoint, the approach makes sense in competitive scenarios, where it is not uncommon to see riders manually tightening or loosening their dials before a sprint or a more relaxed section. Automating that gesture could optimize power transmission without the need for direct intervention.

However, as is always the case with patents, their registration does not imply that the product will reach the market or when it might do so. Nevertheless, the documentation reveals that Shimano is actively exploring new avenues of innovation.