Earlier this month, Skechers launched Find My Skechers, a fresh collection of children’s sneakers equipped with a concealed compartment for Apple AirTags. The AirTag fits snugly into a circular slot located beneath the insole, and Skechers guarantees that children will not notice it.
Some parents already utilize Apple AirTags to keep track of their children’s whereabouts, acquiring AirTag holders for apparel, shoelaces, or wristbands from Amazon. Nevertheless, this is the first instance where a prominent brand has created a product explicitly aimed at this trend.
Interestingly, while the Skechers website and an Instagram post assert the product is intended to help locate children’s shoes, a promotional video implies that the shoes can be used to monitor children. The Find My Skechers website claims, “Each pair includes a secure, hidden pocket under the insole that perfectly fits an Apple AirTag, so you can always know where their favorite shoes are.”
However, a mobile YouTube video from Skechers is more straightforward: “Moms and dads, now you can track your kids at all times with Skecher’s latest Apple AirTag compatible sneakers. It’s smart. There’s a clever, secure, hidden compartment under the insole that your child can’t feel, and you can find your kids on the Find My app.”
In the video, an actress also states, “Look, we all recognize Skechers is known for comfort, and now they’re providing us peace of mind regarding our kids.” However, in the standard version of the advertisement, she incorporates the term “shoes” in phrases like “you can see where your kids’ shoes are.” This subtle variation is noteworthy. Mashable reached out to Skechers for clarification and will revise the article if the company responds.
Regardless, the new sneakers can be purchased on the Skechers website in boys’ and girls’ sizes, priced between $52 and $58.
Shoes that monitor kids’ locations could be crucial for parents worried about losing sight of their children in busy environments, but such products also bring potential privacy concerns. Apple has taken steps to improve AirTag privacy in recent years.