The outcome of a recent collaboration between Virgin America, creative agency Eleven Inc, and Italian design connoisseurs from SearchnDesign, is a pair of special leather hi-top trainers. But what’s the hype all about? Well, these sneakers are a far cry from conventional footwear. They are loaded with high-tech features incorporating the airline’s luxurious first-class cabin offerings – a mini video screen, Wi-Fi hotspot, mood lighting, a seat buckle, and a USB cell phone charger.
According to Virgin America, these cutting-edge shoes, powered by a rechargeable battery, are the first of its kind to have such brilliant and unique technological attributes built-in. The futuristic ‘First Class Shoes’ comes with a rubber outsole, white Italian leather upper (where the TV is built-in), and a stainless steel aircraft seat strap that wraps around the shoe’s uppermost part, functioning like ankle buckles.
These ‘First Class’ sneakers are up for one-off bidding on eBay, and the raised proceeds will be directed to a non-for-profit charity called Soles4Souls. This organization’s objective is to combat poverty by distributing clothes and shoes to the needy. Interested bidders need to participate in the auction before October 23, 2016, and only offers over $ 8,700 will be entertained. The highest bidder will receive the shoes packed in a customized, LED-illuminated plexiglass display case.
As of now, Virgin America has only made a single pair of these First Class Shoes.
[Via:Dezeen]
