Innovative Fashion: Running Shoes Have Evolved, and They're Getting Even Smarter
- Raffles Kuala Lumpur
- Oct 17, 2025
- 4 min read
Back then, a pair of running shoes was all about comfort, traction, and performance. But now, it's a whole new game. The convergence of fashion and technology has propelled the evolution of running shoes at a rapid pace. What was once a futuristic concept is now a reality, and it's genuinely exhilarating. Nike's self-lacing Adapt BB, Adidas' 4D-printed Futurecraft, Under Armour's HOVR smart shoes, and Puma's Fit Intelligence (Fi) are all examples of how footwear is quickly becoming a category where design meets data. Sensors built into products, Bluetooth connectivity, and AI-powered analytics are transforming the way people work out, track their progress, and even shop.
The Rise of Smart Clothing
Bright clothing is not just a trend; it's a practical revolution. Take the Levi's x Google Jacquard jacket, for instance. Its touch-sensitive fabric woven into the denim allows you to control your phone, making life a little easier. Ralph Lauren's PoloTech shirt tracks biometrics and sends the information straight to a fitness app, helping you stay on top of your health goals. And Tommy Hilfiger's adaptive clothing line is a game-changer for individuals with disabilities, making dressing up a more manageable task.
There has also been a significant rise in the intersection of AI and fashion design. The Fabricant is a digital fashion house that makes hyperreal clothes that only exist online. This makes us question what we know about owning clothes. At the same time, Louis Vuitton and Gucci have both gotten into digital fashion and NFT collaborations, mixing high-end fashion with online identity. Bella Hadid and Lil Miquela, a virtual influencer, are two famous people who have modeled looks that are only available online. This demonstrates that technology is not only changing what we wear but also how we think about style.
Personality and Performance
The new generation of fashion buyers wants things that not only work but also make sense to them. The Apple Watch Hermès and Samsung Galaxy Watch collaborations with fashion houses demonstrate how wearable technology has become a symbol of status and prestige. Alo Yoga's bright activewear, Lululemon's Mirror, and Athleta's connected fitness partnerships are all examples of how technology has become an integral part of the wellness and self-expression lifestyle. The influence of famous people and athletes further amplifies this change. Serena Williams's work with Nike on performance-driven clothing, David Beckham's collaboration with Adidas, and Kendall Jenner's campaign for Alo Yoga all demonstrate how data, design, and desirability are converging. Xupermask, Will. i.am's innovative eyewear brand, combines music, fashion, and cutting-edge technology into one product.
Fashion Marketing in the Smart Age
What does this mean for people who work in marketing? Innovative fashion is changing not only what brands produce but also how they communicate with customers. AI-driven personalization now suggests products based on your actions, and AR filters on Instagram and Snapchat let you virtually try on clothes, making social media a digital fitting room. Fashion companies aren't just selling clothes anymore; they're also selling experiences that are made possible by new technology.
Fashion that changes color or texture based on the wearer's mood and wardrobes that are ready for the metaverse, where avatars can wear digital copies of real-world clothes, could be the next big thing. Balenciaga, Prada, and Burberry are already exploring this area, which suggests that the line between the real and digital runways is becoming increasingly blurred.
The Future: Where Data and Creativity Meet
Innovative fashion is more than just a trend; it's a way of thinking that combines creativity, technology, and sustainability. Brands can make their ecosystems more sustainable and efficient by collecting performance data. This enables them to utilize materials more effectively, reduce waste, and tailor their production to individual needs.
Students in the Fashion Marketing and Management program at Raffles examine these intersections, combining creative thinking with technological foresight, branding, and real-world market strategy. They learn how to lead in this new digital fashion world by working with businesses, attending events, and engaging in project-based learning. Please find out how you can help shape the future of fashion marketing and technology by looking into our Fashion Marketing and Management program.
Professor Simon LEUNIG
President, Raffles Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
References
Adidas. (2024). Futurecraft 4D technology and innovation. Retrieved from https://www.adidas.com
Apple Inc. (2024). Apple Watch Hermès. Retrieved from https://www.apple.com
Coetzee, E., & Ames, X. (2025). Photo illustration for “Running Shoes Have Evolved—and They’re Getting Even Smarter”. The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved from https://www.wsj.com/tech/ai/running-shoes-have-evolvedand-theyre-getting-even-smarter-1c3e7141
Levi Strauss & Co. (2023). Levi’s x Google Jacquard Smart Jacket. Retrieved from https://www.levi.com
Nike, Inc. (2024). Nike Adapt BB self-lacing technology. Retrieved from https://www.nike.com
Puma SE. (2023). PUMA Fit Intelligence (Fi). Retrieved from https://about.puma.com
Ralph Lauren Corporation. (2024). PoloTech smart apparel collection. Retrieved from https://www.ralphlauren.com
The Fabricant. (2024). Digital fashion and virtual couture. Retrieved from https://www.thefabricant.com
Under Armour. (2024). HOVR Connected Footwear Technology. Retrieved from https://www.underarmour.com
Vogue Business. (2024). The digital future of fashion: AI, NFTs, and data-driven creativity. Retrieved from https://www.voguebusiness.com
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