July 31, 2025 – Skechers has just unveiled a new sports shoe specifically designed for children, which comes with a hidden compartment in the heel. This clever feature allows parents to insert an AirTag, enabling them to keep track of their kids’ whereabouts.
The compartment is situated inside a small, removable slot at the back of the heel. It’s important to note that the shoes do not come with an AirTag included, nor are they a collaborative product with Apple. Instead, they represent Skechers’ own third-party design solution.
Apple has always positioned the AirTag as a tool for tracking everyday items like keys, wallets, or luggage, and has explicitly discouraged its use for tracking people. However, as reported, many parents have already started using AirTags for child supervision due to safety concerns. This has led to a surge in AirTag-compatible accessories on the market, including wristbands, shoe insoles, and pins.
One limitation of the AirTag is its effectiveness in tracking fast-moving targets, such as children riding on a school bus. Unlike iPhones, which support real-time location sharing, AirTags lack GPS functionality. Instead, they rely on Bluetooth signals to “check in” with nearby Apple devices, providing users with an approximate location.
The technology also carries certain risks. There have been instances of criminals using AirTags for malicious tracking, such as hiding them in bags or vehicles, which even led to a class-action lawsuit. In response, Apple has introduced anti-stalking measures, including alerts on iPhones and Apple Watches when an unknown AirTag is detected traveling alongside the user.
Currently, Skechers’ new shoes are only available in children’s sizes, reducing the likelihood of them being used to secretly monitor adults. However, reports suggest that if Skechers or other brands were to release adult versions in the future, they could potentially be used to help individuals with dementia who are prone to wandering. While these applications are well-intentioned, they also raise concerns about the potential for misuse in tracking adults without their consent.
