Air Fashion (Smelly feet? Try a pair of air-conditioned shoes)

Smelly feet? Try a pair of air-conditioned shoes

Last updated at 14:38 21 November 2007

A revolutionary pair of shoes are set to stamp out foot odour for good - thanks to a clever air-conditioning unit hidden inside.

The smart leather uppers suck in fresh air through tiny holes in the laces and sole which then circulates around sweaty, smelly feet.

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A small pump under the heel squashes the air back out through the sole

A small pump secreted under the heel squashes the air back out through the sole when the wearer takes a step forward.

The combined system provides a constant cool wind-stream around the foot similar to a mini air-conditioning unit. This will prevent moisture and bacteria from building up between the toes, giving smelly fungal infections and athletes foot the boot.

The nifty Breezewalk Shoes are perfect for people who are too embarrassed to take off their footwear when visiting family and friends.

Office workers who suffer from stinky foot odour will also find they keep their feet fresh while sitting in a stuffy office.

They can be worn in all weather thanks to a membrane over the hole which allows air in but stops rain from making your socks wet.

Expert podiatrists created the lace-ups on behalf of innovation company Gadget Universe which is based in California in the US. They are currently only available for men in a range of styles and sizes but makers are about to design some for women.

A pair Breezewalk Shoes cost £30 and there are five styles to choose from. Greg Schwartz, spokesman for Gadget Universe, said: "These shoes are perfect for people with smelly feet.

"It is like having an air conditioning unit in your shoes - I believe they are the first shoes to have this. Our company don't currently make them for women but it is something we will perhaps consider doing one day."

The Breezewalks look like a normal pair of shoes

Mike O'Neill, a podiatric surgeon and spokesman for the London-based Society Of Chiropodists and Podiatrists, is confident that Breezewalk Shoes will cut down odour.

"Any shoe that helps keep the foot well-ventilated will help combat foot odour," he said.

Gadget Universe currently sells the shoes online but they are looking at supplying them to the UK in the near future.

( http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-495399/Smelly-feet-Try-pair-air-conditioned-shoes.html#ixzz1XKauOHlX)