Lenovo unveils Intel-powered 3D-printed smart shoes

China technology giant Lenovo introduced a pair of smart sneakers that not only tracks fitness data but also doubles as a mobile game controller at its recently concluded Tech World conference at the Silicon Valley in San Francisco, California last month.

The running shoes, which were developed in collaboration with Italy-based outsole maker Vibram, are powered by an Intel Curie wearable chip and boast the standard functions of a typical fitness tracker, including monitoring steps taken, calories burned, speed and distance. The footwear also integrates a gyroscope for tracking the wearer's next run or daily movement.

Just like other wearables, data collected is analyzed and can be viewed using a smartphone. One thing it cannot do, however, is monitor the heart rate.

For a snug fit, the smart shoes have 3D-printed customizable insoles. Another cool feature is the LED-embedded outsoles.

The sneakers come with built-in batteries that support wireless charging. These can be recharged by placing the shoes on a foot-sized charging panel. Used for light leisure activities, the batteries can last up to 10 days. Ten hours if the footwear is used for intense running.

As regards gaming functionality, the smart shoes suits running- and dancing-style VR games where stepping backwards and forward are options.

Lenovo has yet to reveal a price or release date but the company's representatives at the conference said that they expect the sneakers to be launched later this year.

This is not the first time the tech firm has ventured into smart footwear. At Tech World 2015, the company unveiled a pair of panel-equipped sneakers that can tell the wearer's mood.

Watch the video below to see how Lenovo's Intel-powered smart sneakers work.