Baliston introduces AI-augmented footwear by Philippe Starck

Baliston is shaking up the fashion industry with its groundbreaking debut collection of footwear, Baliston by Starck. Collaborating with visionary futurist designer Philippe Starck, they have crafted an AI-augmented footwear line that boasts cutting-edge AI technology, 100% recyclability, and a subscription to an innovative ecosystem of services.

These shoes are more than just stylish accessories for your feet. They’re equipped with AI that captures the unique biometrics of your gait. Not only that – it analyzes your walking DNA too. By syncing with an app, users can receive personalized insights on their body mechanics and learn how to move more efficiently.

What’s more, Baliston by Starck is entirely bio-based and composed of just five recyclable materials. This makes it an eco-friendly choice for fashion-conscious consumers.

The design process took more than eight years

As Karim Oumnia, the founder of Baliston, explains, he’s always believed that everything that impacts our body has an effect on the way we move.

“For instance, if you’re tired, you don’t walk the same way as if you’re not tired.”

He reveals that it had been a dream of his to introduce electronics into shoes. He believed this could transform them from basic products to companions that watch our health and performances daily. “I thought it would be fantastic to not only help people walk more but also walk better.”

The collection is a collaboration with the iconic French designer Philippe Starck. As Karim explains, Baliston didn’t want to partner with a shoe designer. After all – they were not designing a shoe but a platform with an application ecosystem.

At first, Starck wasn’t too interested in the project because he didn’t want to be a part of the growing overconsumption market. However, just a few minutes after explaining Baliston won’t be any ordinary shoes, Starck changed his mind and started to bring ideas on how the project could be built.

It took them three years (and more than eight years for the electronics and AI platform) just to build a shoe that’s simple, recyclable, and uses only five components (most shoes include around 20 materials). “We had to completely review the shoe construction process,” says Karim. 

End notes

According to statistics, fashion is responsible for 20% of the world’s waste. That’s why it’s crucial for designers to think not only in terms of innovation and aesthetics but also sustainability. Baliston by Starck has managed to reach this goal successfully.

Using biomechanics, Baliston aims to provide shoe design primarily focused on people’s needs rather than the trend and fashion.