A video showing a shoe-fitting vending machine in China has gone viral. Located in shopping malls, the machines allow customers to determine their exact shoe size and save their measurements in a mobile app. Kursiv LifeStyle looked at how the system works.
To determine the correct fit, the machine measures several foot parameters, including width, instep, bunion protrusion and toe position. The app’s algorithms then use the data to recommend shoes based on the user’s individual profile.
«Once you complete the measurement process, you can order any brand, color or style — anything you want — but tailored to your individual fit,» said Nicole Udalaya, who recorded the viral video.
Users can browse and select shoes through the app, place an order and have the item delivered to their home, typically within about a week. It is unclear which city the machines are currently available in, though this has been a common question in the video’s comments.
Meanwhile, apparel manufacturers in Kazakhstan report a 15% to 20% drop in demand, which they attribute to competition from Chinese marketplaces offering a wide range of lower-priced clothing.
