A hi-tech cure for stinky trainers: ShoeBlast gadget on show at CES 2020 uses a combination of heat and ultraviolet light to eliminate odours
- The ShoeBlast device was developed with the support of a Kickstarter campaign
- A combination of moisture and warmth makes shoes susceptible to odours
- These are the product of bacteria and fungi growing within the footwear
- ShoeBlast used hot air circulation and sterilising UV light to tackle these
- It can also be used on other kinds of shoe as well as hats, gloves and helmets
A high-tech solution to combat the potent stench of well-worn trainers is being demonstrated at the Consumer Electronic Show 2020.
The so-called ‘ShoeBlast’ device — made by developers from South Korea’s North Gyeongsang Province — eliminates odours using both heat and ultraviolet light.
The rechargeable, battery-powered device features two cleansing elements that can be pulled out of the ShoeBlast’s main body and each inserted into a stinky shoe.
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A high-tech solution to combat the potent stench of well-worn trainers is being demonstrated at the Consumer Electronic Show 2020
The so-called ‘ShoeBlast’ device — made by developers from South Korea’s North Gyeongsang Province — eliminates odours using both heat and ultraviolet light
SHOEBLAST SPECS
Dimensions: 220x58x58 mm
Weight: 400 g
Method: Hot air circulation & UV light
Capacity: Two shoes at once
Power: 15 Wh
Charging time: 180 minutes
Operating time: 60 minutes
Display: LCD
Price: $199
Developed by SMARTREUM BANG E Inc, the ShoeBlast is the successful culmination of a Kickstarter-hosted funding drive which concluded in the July of 2016.
The project was supported by 55 backers, to a total pledge of $11,937 — or around £9,100.
As the product’s Kickstarter page observes, there are around 250,000 sweat glands on one’s feet, each of which release moisture into the shoes we wear.
Coupled with the warm, dark environment around a foot in a shoe, this moisture creates a ‘garden of Eden’ for bacterial and fungal growth and odour production.
‘Because of moisture, your feet are troubled by athlete’s foot, flaking, itchiness,’ a ShoeBlast spokesperson said.
‘I hope you know these evil germs are already moving inside your shoes,’ they added.
‘Now, you can defeat the bacteria and moisture that cause stench and chronic discomfort.’
Developed by SMARTREUM BANG E Inc, the ShoeBlast is the successful culmination of a Kickstarter-hosted funding drive which concluded in the July of 2016. The project was supported by 55 backers, to a total pledge of $11,937 — or around £9,100
The rechargeable, battery-powered device features two cleansing elements that can be pulled out of the ShoeBlast’s main body and each inserted into a stinky shoe
The device also features humidity sensors to help it determine when it has finished cleaning and drying a particular pair of shoes
The portable, USB-chargeable ShoeBlast reportedly tackles in-shoe moisture and microorganisms using a two-pronged approach.
Firstly, each of the device’s inserts blows hot air — at around 104–140°F (40–60°C) — around the shoes to help dry and sterilise the footwear without causing damage.
At the same time, LED ultraviolet lights are used to further sterilise the inside of the shoes — with such reportedly eliminating ’99 per cent of viruses’.
‘ShoeBlast UV light not only only looks like a laser show, it stops the spreading of microscopic germs,’ a ShoeBlast spokesperson said.
The device also features humidity sensors to help it determine when it has finished cleaning and drying a particular pair of shoes.
The ShoeBlast is not limited to use with smelly trainers, however — the device can be used on any shoe or even helmets, gloves and hats, the developers claim.
Coupled with the warm, dark environment around a foot in a shoe, moisture creates a ‘garden of Eden’ for bacterial and fungal growth and odour production. The portable, USB-chargeable ShoeBlast reportedly tackles this using both hot air circulation and sterilising UV light. Below, a ShoeBlast is seen removing moisture from the inside of a plastic cup
The ShoeBlast is not limited to use with smelly trainers, however — the device can be used on any shoe or even helmets, gloves and hats, the developers claim
WHAT IS ATHLETE’S FOOT?
Athlete’s foot is a common fungal infection that affects the feet.
You can usually treat it with creams, sprays or powders from a pharmacy, but it can keep coming back.
Symptoms of athlete’s foot include:
- Itchy white patches between your toes.
- Red, sore and flaky patches on your feet.
- Skin that may crack and bleed.
It can also affect your soles or sides of your feet. If it’s not treated, it can spread to your toenails and cause a fungal nail infection.
Athlete’s foot sometimes causes fluid-filled blisters.
You can catch athlete’s foot from other people with the infection.
You can get it by:
- walking barefoot in places where someone else has athlete’s foot – especially changing rooms and showers
- touching the affected skin of someone with athlete’s foot
You’re more likely to get it if you have wet or sweaty feet, or if the skin on your feet is damaged.
Athlete’s foot is unlikely to get better on its own, but you can buy anti-fungal medicines for it from a pharmacy. They usually take a few weeks to work.
Athlete’s foot treatments are available as:
- creams
- sprays
- powders
They’re not all suitable for everyone – for example, some are only for adults. Always check the packet or ask a pharmacist.
You might need to try a few treatments to find one that works best for you.
Source: NHS
Pictured, an extreme case of athlete’s foot
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