Magnets?

Wired News: Sneakers Get a Geek Injection: "But now, sneakers do a lot more than simply provide protection for our feet. New models can 'sense an athlete's needs' with computers implanted in the soles, keep feet from getting too sweaty with microholes or even keep a person 'in balance' with strategically placed magnets. And if all else fails, at least they look cool."

Magnets?

European sneaker maker Puma is also following the technology trail. The Chapora sneaker from the company's Nuala collection, created for yoga enthusiasts, contains magnets in its soles for spiritual balance and holistic benefits.

Oh.

I like going barefoot, myself. Not that I do it much in public so you wouldn't know. But I digress.

I've always found it a source of wonderment and a kind of perverted pride that American ingenuity and clean living can take an activity one might do perfectly well in the nude and turn it into a multi-billion dollar fashion industry, shoes being only one small part of that achievement.

I remember a long, long time ago - I'm talking 1940s here, that long - when Keds and Converse ran ads in the back of comic books claiming (Hey Kids!) their shoes would make you jump higher and run faster and get girls. And now look. We have magnets.

Is it working yet?