Imagine a sneaker that illuminates in interesting patterns in response to music. As futuristic as that may sound, adidas AG and Infineon Technologies AG have actually made shoes just like that.

The Infineon Lighting Shoe is a prototype that illustrates and brings to life the effect of state-of-the-art semiconductor technology in a fashion product. Thanks to the high-quality XENSIV MEMS microphones, the shoe can hear the finest acoustic signals. An integrated PSoC microcontroller processes the audio input. The EZ-PD Barrel Connector Replacement (BCR) solution allows the shoe to be charged using USB-C Power Delivery (PD) in combination with high-efficiency OptiMOS power MOSFETs. The adidas originals NMD S1 offers the perfect fit and enough space to place the highly sensitive technology components inside without compromising comfort.

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With this prototype, Infineon and adidas illustrate how technology is combined with style. "Contextual Awareness through Intuitive Sensing makes it easier to use IoT gadgets – when the devices can hear, see or feel through technology. The Infineon Lighting Shoe is a unique example showing how technology and digitalization can be brought closer to people. We are proud to have worked with adidas to implement this innovation collaboration," said Adam White, Division President Power & Sensor Systems at Infineon.

“When we create innovations, they must be mind-blowing, go beyond the normal, surprise and above all: be fun,” said Burkhard Dümler, director innovation at adidas. “With the Lighting Shoe prototype, we have succeeded in this in our collaboration with Infineon. We show that technology and style complement each other to create a digital product, reports Printed Electronics.

“The Infineon Lighting Shoe is based on high-tech effects – the combination of microphones, microcontrollers and LEDs – it is the only shoe that can ‘hear’ music and react with light effects according to the beats,” Manuel Hollfelder, senior manager solution & applications synergies, Infineon Technologies AG, said. “With this prototype, we illustrate how technology is combined with style.”

“With the Lighting Shoe prototype, we show that technology and style complement each other to create a digital product,” added Alexander Wisgickl, director of global partnership and ecosystem management, Infineon. “And we are proud to have worked with adidas to implement this innovation collaboration.”

If you want to buy the Infineon Lighting Shoe, you will have to wait bit.

“The shoe is a prototype, so it is not for sale,” Hollfelder said. “We are showcasing it at different events or tradeshow. The shoe has already travelled from Germany to Singapore to the States and back to Infineon headquarters in Munich.”