Skechers Kids' Shoes with AirTag Holder

Skechers Sneakers with Hidden AirTag Compartment

Skechers has recently launched a new range of children’s sneakers featuring a concealed compartment. This allows parents to discreetly insert an Apple AirTag for tracking purposes.

How the Tracking Works

A removable insert within the shoe’s heel reveals a dedicated space for the AirTag. This enables parents to monitor the whereabouts of their child, or more specifically, their footwear.

It’s important to note that these shoes are not sold with an AirTag included. Furthermore, this isn’t an official partnership with Apple, but a product independently developed by Skechers.

The initial announcement of these shoes occurred in mid-July with limited publicity, though AppleInsider reported on them earlier this week.

AirTags and Child Tracking

Apple officially markets AirTags for tracking possessions like keys, wallets, and luggage. However, parents have increasingly adopted the technology to monitor their children’s locations.

Several third-party products already exist to facilitate this, including AirTag-compatible bracelets, insoles, pins, and even accessories for Crocs.

Limitations of AirTag Tracking

AirTags aren’t optimally designed for tracking rapidly moving objects, such as a child traveling on a school bus. Unlike iPhones with location sharing activated, AirTags lack integrated GPS capabilities.

Instead, they utilize Bluetooth beaconing to transmit signals to nearby Apple devices. This provides the AirTag owner with an approximate location estimate.

Concerns Regarding Privacy and Stalking

Despite their intended use, AirTags have been misused for stalking. Instances of hidden AirTags in personal belongings or vehicles have led to a class action lawsuit.

Apple has responded by implementing anti-stalking features. These include notifications sent to iPhone or Apple Watch users when an unknown AirTag is detected traveling with them.

Potential Future Applications and Ethical Considerations

Given that the Skechers product is currently only available in children’s sizes, its use for unauthorized surveillance of adults is unlikely.

However, the increasing acceptance of this type of surveillance raises broader ethical questions. It’s conceivable that similar products could be developed for adults with conditions like dementia, aiding caregivers in locating individuals who may wander.

While such applications could be beneficial, the potential for tracking adults without their knowledge or consent remains a significant concern.