Sneaker Apps
If you are anything like me you want to be fully immersed in as much of the trainer world as is physically possible, and luckily in 2019 we have a wide variety of ways of supplementing your exploration of the incredibly vast world of trainer culture. There are so many different ways you can develop your knowledge of the scene, and a multitude of tools at your disposal to improve your experience within it. You could subscribe to mailing lists for relevant websites, follow big players in the industry on Instagram or Twitter but I thought the best thing to do would be to run down some of the best sneaker apps, because what sounds better than having the many wonders of the trainer world at our fingertips.
Nike Fit App
For me, I love an app that does something a Google search can’t and Nike have just launched a new feature within their brands already well-established app that is going to make the stalwart even more essential to every ‘Sneakerhead’. Off the back of acquiring computer vision company Invertex, Nike seems set to further expand its digital capabilities with the unveiling of its new Nike Fit scanning technology. Born out of an urge to address the troubling statistic that more than 60% of people are wearing the wrong shoe size, the upcoming measurement tool will be able to map customers’ feet to allow everyone to achieve what the brand calls a “truly perfect fit.” Accessible via the Nike app this handy new tool utilises a mix of artificial intelligence, computer vision, data science and various algorithms which all equate to customers being able to use their phone cameras to scan their feet by collecting 13 data points that map each foot’s morphology. The process takes a “matter of seconds,” and at the end of it the app guarantees to tell you Nike’s recommended perfect size for you, and the best part of it is that it is tailored to whichever shoe you intend on purchasing.
Wanna Kicks App
Speaking of apps that require you to point your phone camera at your feet for satisfying results, I definitely suggest downloading ‘Wanna Kicks’. Perhaps not the most essential trainer app in the world but definitely one of the most novel and entertaining, maybe if only temporarily. With the advent of augmented reality, you can now try on shoes without leaving your home, and get an idea of how they look on foot. The AR integration in the ‘Wanna Kicks’ sneaker app lets you try on Adidas Ultra Boosts, Nike Air Max 270s, and classic Vans Slip-Ons anywhere in the world. The cutting-edge AR tech virtually superimposes shoes on the user’s feet via a phone’s camera, bridging the barrier between the in-store try-on experience and online retail. The simple apps charm might quickly wear off, and the variety of available shoes isn’t exactly massive, but the Belarusian startup has definitely opened the flood gates for this sort of technology being utilised further, and I’m sure it won’t be long before more refined and expansive variations pop up.
Kicksonfire App
Another variety of app that is essential for the trainer obsessed is what I like to call an informative app; one that you can use to stay up to date about news, new releases, upcoming events, and there are without a doubt a lot of good ones around. For my money, the best, and the one you almost definitely need is perhaps not everyone’s apparent first choice, but without a doubt to me, the kicksonfire app is just superb. What it does so well is plug the gaps in my knowledge, it has the most extensive new releases calendar available as well as relevant but not overwhelming detail on everything upcoming, which for me is invaluable. One of the most essential things for sneakerheads is drop awareness and kicksonfire in my experience do the best job of updating their calendar.
Nike Sneakrs
In addition to the kicksonfire app, I definitely would recommend supplementing its usefulness with the Nike Sneakrs app. The benefit of this app is its frequent exclusive collabs, general releases, and rich “Discover” stories, as well as the ability to set push notifications to coincide with exact drop times in an attempt to secure that coveted pair. In addition to its top-notch selection of Air Jordans, Air Force 1s, and OFF-WHITE collabs, the app boasts an engaging design and beautiful editorial content. Of course, when it comes to knowledge apps for trainers, there really are as many good ones as bad ones but to save you the effort of having a whole folder full these would be the two I’d recommend for the most overall experience.
Beyond the aforementioned apps, there is a whole host of different potentials at your disposal, and it really does come down to a matter of preference. Apps like SoleSupplier also offer a reliable alternative for all your information, but alternatively, for all the trainer news you could ever want, and to keep up to date on every upcoming release make sure you keep it Laced, and perhaps we might see a Laced app in the future.