While the US and Japan may think they are ahead of the game in the technology field, Germany is edging its way to be considered one of the frontrunners with their new public transit innovation. Adidas has collaborated with Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe(BVG), Berlin’s main transport company, to create a sneaker that can be used as a subway ticket. While BVG has already been ahead of many US cities with their mobile app “FahrInfo Plus” that riders can open and use their phone as a ticket, a sneaker that can be used as a subway pass is definitely a game changer.
Adidas and BVG have created only 500 pairs of the exclusive “EQT Support 93/17 Berlin” shoe that will have €730 (or $895 USD) worth of annual subway credit on it that can be used for all BVG modes of transportation. The ticket is embedded in the tongue of the sneaker and will be valid for use from January 16 until December 31, 2018. The sneakers themselves will cost about €180 (or $220 USD), which is a crazy deal compared to the amount of the annual season pass that will connected to the shoe. This speaks volumes to a budget conscious person like me. The sneakers also feature the same funky design as the pattern that is found of the subway car’s seats making the BVG subway seats a definite style piece. This super dope and creative approach will presumably make Berlin a fashion-forward city.
Not only is a concept like this eco-friendly, it furthers the idea that fashion is not only stylish but can be extremely functional. It will be interesting to see what other cities follow suit, or create other innovative fashion-related concepts in relation to transportation. This does bring up the question of how will travel/transportation continue to connect with fashion? And in what other ways can it expand? Being that many people around the world are interested in things being more simple and easy, I definitely see the potential and growth for other opportunities in this lane.
If you just like the way the sneaker looks and don’t need the transit money, you’ll unfortunately have to go to Berlin to purchase them at either the Overkill or Adidas flagship store. But I personally think it’s a great excuse for a quick getaway.
Photo credit: @overkill
