Airline unveils “smart shoes” to guide people around towns and cities

European budget airline, easyJet's latest concept, is a pair of "smart shoes" that vibrate to tell users when they need to turn left or right.

The prototypes, which easyJet has dubbed "sneakairs", were launched on 13 May and use Bluetooth to connect to a smartphone app and, by extension, GPS. When it is time to change direction, tiny sensors inside the shoes vibrate to guide users to their destination.

"The Easyjet Sneakair prototype could be developed for its passengers to purchase on-board in the future," the airline said in a statement announcing the shoes.

The idea of a smart shoe is not new, and a Lithuanian startup called iShüu Technologies had developed a high-heeled shoe covered in a flexible e-ink display - much like the one used on the Kindle - that could be changed via a smartphone app.

Easyjet confirmed to Mirror Online that, at the moment, this was just a concept idea currently and the company was gauging reaction before proceeding with production.

The company that had dabbled in wearable technology earlier, had last year marked its 20th birthday by unveiling futuristic uniforms for cabin crews.

The uniforms featured LEDs on shoulders and illuminated hems to provide additional lighting in an emergency.

The 'Sneakairs' were unveiled at an event in Barcelona where testers roamed around the city without maps or turning to their phones.

Peter Duffy, easyJet's marketing director said in a statement, that users would be relaxed by the foot-buzzing experience.

"We are looking at making this technology available for purchase on board in the future, offering a very practical solution to those passengers who want to relax visiting a new place without the need of a map and enjoy every moment while they explore a new city."