Lechal | Vibrating Smart Shoes Tell You Where To Turn

An Indian company called Ducere Technologies has created sneakers and insoles called Lechal that pair with an app and Google Maps to help blind people navigate in conjunction with a cane.

As the company began to develop the shoes, it became clear that they could also have other uses. For every pair of footwear sold, Ducere will subsidize another pair for someone who is visually impaired.

The shoe and insole are both connected to your smartphone via Bluetooth. You input a destination on the app and then as you walk around, your left or right shoe vibrates to show you which way to turn.

The shoes don't just tell you where to go. They also serve as a pedometer and a calorie tracker.

Shoes are "a natural extension of the human body,” the company's co-founder and CEO, Krispian Lawrence, told the Wall Street Journal. You'd never forget to wear shoes, the way you might forget your phone or wallet at home, he says.

The shoes and insoles will be available in September for around $100. They're compatible with iPhones, Android and Windows phones. You can sign up to pre-order them now.

- HPost