Puma has announced that it will be rereleasing its iconic RS-Computer running shoes later this week. The RS-Computer shoes were originally released in 1986 and could connect directly to any Apple IIE, Commodore 64, or IBM PC thanks to its 16-pin connector.
The RS-Computer shoes from Puma were groundbreaking at the time of their original release. They allowed runners to track things like distance, time, and calories burned. The video below offers a closer look at just how the RS-Computer shoes functioned back then.
While the shoes were technologically advanced in 1986, the world has obviously changed quite a bit since then. For that reason, the rereleased RS-Computer shoes from Puma will include a three-axis accelerometer, LED indicators, a USB port for charging, and Bluetooth connectivity.
Here’s how Puma explains the reissue:
The computer on the heel of the RS (Running System) translated data and gave runners the ability to compare past runs with future goals, learning and understanding how to become faster, more efficient, and competitive. Today, PUMA upgrades with the RS-Computer Shoe with sophisticated tech features that provide real-time data while retaining the OG design.
With Bluetooth connectivity, the RS-Computer sneakers will be able to connect to your iPhone or Android device through the RS-Computer Shoe app. In the app, you’ll be able to see things such as distance, time, and calories. Puma has decided to theme the new app in a way that will be familiar to those who used the original software in 1986, using an 8-bit graphics interface.
RS-Computer release date
The RS-Computer shoes will officially be rereleased on Thursday, December 13th. Don’t think you’ll be able to waltz into any sneaker store to buy them, though. The reissued RS-Computer shoes will only be available through Kith, PUMA.com in the US and Japan, and Puma stores in Harajuku, Tokyo; Carnaby Street, London and Berlin.
Further, there will be just 86 pairs released across the world. Each pair will be numbered (from 1 to 86), with that number appearing on a woven label inside the tongue.
Here’s the full press release from Puma:
[9to5-press-release]
The OG Smart Running Shoe from 1986 Gets an Upgrade
Global sports brand PUMA was the first to bring sophisticated electronic hardware and software into the sports experience over 30 years ago with the RS-Computer shoe. A running sneaker that originated in 1986 and considered extremely advanced for its time, it revolutionized the way runners trained.
The computer on the heel of the RS (Running System) translated data and gave runners the ability to compare past runs with future goals, learning and understanding how to become faster, more efficient, and competitive. Today, PUMA upgrades with the RS-Computer Shoe with sophisticated tech features that provide real-time data while retaining the OG design.
The original RS-Computer running shoe had a custom-designed computer chip built into the heel that automatically recorded the time, distance and calories expended and could communicate the results once connected to any Apple IIE, Commodore 64 using a 16-pin cord. Material-wise, the OG RS-Computer is decked in a textile and leather upper, padded collar, Multiplex Four midsole technology, a rubber outsole and a unique, extended TPU heel that housed the computer chip.
The 2018 iteration has new technology but replicates the original experience. A cable is no long used to connect to a computer but instead is used to charge the shoe via a USB connector. It is fitted with Bluetooth technology to connect to an Android or iOS smartphone and a dedicated RS-Computer Shoe app (available on the App Store and Google Play) to manage and process all the information. The app interface uses 8-bit graphics seen on original computer screens and inside the app is an 8-bit game.
The new RS-Computer retains the original Lunar Rock – Limestone – Peacoat colorway. Only 86 pairs will be available globally, signifying the year it first originated. Each pair has a number (from 1 to 86) that appears on a woven label inside the tongue.
Tech Features:
- Sensors: Each shoe is equipped with a miniature 3-axis accelerometer, which is used to measure the number of steps taken, distance traveled and calories burned.
- Wireless Technology: The RS Computer Shoe has a Bluetooth 4.0 radio transceiver and can be connected to an Android or iOS mobile phone. Once the Bluetooth is turned on, the shoe records and delivers data to the RS Computer Shoe app.
- Memory: The shoe can record for 30 days worth of data. Every new month is a fresh start. Throughout the month the runner can access all the stored data in a Monthly Statistics tab.
- Keys and LED Light Indicators: There are two keys, Key 1 (Red/Red LED) and Key 2 (Black/Green LED). KEY 1 is used to show daily step target status, which can be set in the RS Computer App while KEY 2 shows battery status.
- Rechargeable Battery: The RS Computer Shoe has an on-board rechargeable lithium-polymer battery. The battery can be recharged using the USB cable provided with the shoes.
The new RS-Computer will be sold at Kith, on PUMA.com in the US and Japan, PUMA stores in Harajuku, Tokyo; Carnaby Street, London and Berlin.
[/9to5-press-release]
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