SKECHERS has invented a pair of trainers that let you track the exact location of your children’s shoes.
The Find My Skechers have a hidden compartment built for a tracking device that monitors where they are at all times.
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You can then check their position on a virtual map using a smartphone app no matter where you are in the world
These tracker trainers start at £45 in the UK or $52 in the USA.
They don’t come with the tracker built-in. Instead, you’re meant to fit your own Apple AirTag in a secret compartment beneath the heel of the insole.
An AirTag typically retails at between £28 and £35 in the UK or $26 to $35 in the USA.
The compartment has a screw-tight cover to hide the AirTag, keeping it concealed (and preventing it from falling out).
Once the AirTag is set up and placed inside the shoe, you’ll be able to follow its position using the Find My app on iPhone.
It’s a free Apple app that’s available on all iPhone models, and lets you track your gadgets – as well as any AirTags that you own.
AirTags were originally designed for your keys, bags, or luggage, but you can attach them to almost anything.
“Moms and dads, now you can know where your kids shoes are at all times with Skecher’s newest Apple AirTag compatible sneakers,” said Skechers in an ad for the new shoes.
“It’s genius. There’s a clever, secure, hidden compartment under the insole.
“Your child can’t feel it, and you can see where your kid’s shoes are on the Find My app.
“Plus they’re machine washable and available to boys and girls.
“Look, we all know Skechers is famous for comfort, and now they’re giving us comfort of mind when it comes to our kids.”
The shoes don’t show any external branding linked to AirTags.
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So it won’t be obvious that they’re location-tracked trainers at a glance.
And if you decide not to use the AirTag feature, they’ll still work just fine as regular shoes.
SAFETY FIRST?
In terms of privacy, the shoes will only be as safe as your own Apple account.
Anyone with access to your Apple account can view the position of the tracker. But your Apple account should be private, and you can check who is logged in at all times by going into your settings.
HOW TO DISABLE A DODGY AIRTAG
Found an unknown AirTag? Here’s Apple’s official advice…
IDENTIFY THE AIRTAG
If you have found an unknown AirTag, you can follow these steps to see information about it or to disable it:
- If you have found an AirTag, hold the top of your iPhone or NFC-capable smartphone near the white side of the AirTag until a notification appears.
- Tap the notification. This opens a website that provides information about the AirTag, including its serial number and the last four digits of the phone number of the person who registered it. This can help you identify the owner, if you know them. You may want to take a screenshot to make sure you can document the information.
- If the owner marked the AirTag as lost, you may see a message with information about how to contact the owner.
To find out more about a set of AirPods, Find My network accessory or compatible Bluetooth location-tracking device that’s been separated from its owner, scroll to the bottom of the Items tab, then tap Identify Found Item.
DISABLE THE AIRTAG
If you want to prevent further tracking, here’s what to do.
“Push down and twist counterclockwise on the back of the AirTag,” Apple says.
“Take the cover off and remove the battery.
“Once you remove the battery, the location of this AirTag is no longer visible to its owner.”
Picture Credit: Apple
It’s also possible to share your AirTag with someone else so that they can see the position of a tracker too.
You might want to do this with other people in your family.
But if you’re worried that someone else might have access, you can just go into the Find My app to see who else can view the AirTag’s location.
If you want to revoke someone’s access to the AirTag, you can do it at any time.
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Of course, if your child already has an iPhone, you can set them up for tracking on your Find My app too.
That way, you can monitor the exact location of their smartphone.
BAD TRACK?
Parents should also be wary of relying on location-trackers to look after their children.
Location-tracking only works if the AirTag is within range of another device.
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And if the AirTag runs out of battery, it will also fail.
AirTags can also be disabled easily by removing the battery, which only takes a few seconds.
So although it might give you peace of mind, it’s not a guarantee of safety. Apple itself has never recommended using AirTags for monitoring a child’s movements.
And Skechers has worded its ad to suggest that the tracker system is good for tracking your child’s shoes – and doesn’t mention monitoring your actual child.
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