Skechers has introduced a new line of kids’ sneakers featuring a hidden compartment designed to hold an Apple AirTag. Located inside the heel, a small insert can be lifted to reveal the space where parents can place the tracking device. This allows them to monitor the location of their child—or at least the shoes their child is wearing. The shoes do not come with an AirTag included, nor do they appear to be an official collaboration with Apple. Instead, Skechers developed this product independently.
The shoes were quietly announced in mid-July, with little media attention initially. However, the product gained more visibility after being reported on later. Apple markets AirTags as tools for tracking items like keys, wallets, or luggage—not people. Despite this, parents have adopted the technology to keep tabs on their children. Other products, such as AirTag-compatible bracelets, insoles, and pins, have also emerged to serve this purpose.
AirTags are not designed for tracking fast-moving objects, such as a child on a school bus. Unlike iPhones with location sharing enabled, AirTags lack built-in GPS. Instead, they rely on Bluetooth beaconing technology, which signals their presence to nearby Apple devices, providing an approximate location to the owner.
However, this technology has raised concerns about misuse. Bad actors have hidden AirTags in bags or cars to stalk individuals, leading to legal action. Apple has since introduced anti-stalking features, such as notifying users when an unfamiliar AirTag is detected traveling with them.
Since Skechers only offers this product in kids’ sizes, it is unlikely to be used for tracking adults without consent. Still, the normalization of such surveillance could have broader implications. Similar products could be developed for adults with conditions like dementia, who may wander unintentionally. While these applications may be well-intentioned, they also raise ethical questions about tracking individuals without their knowledge.
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