A high-tech solution to combat the powerful smell of worn trainers is demonstrated at the Consumer Electronic Show 2020.

The so-called ‘ShoeBlast’ device – made by developers from North Gyeongsang province in South Korea – eliminates odors using both heat and ultraviolet light.

The rechargeable battery-powered device has two cleaning elements that can be pulled out of the main part of the ShoeBlast and each put into a smelly shoe.

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A high-tech solution to combat the powerful smell of worn trainers is demonstrated at the Consumer Electronic Show 2020

The so-called ‘ShoeBlast’ device – made by developers from North Gyeongsang province in South Korea – eliminates odors using both heat and ultraviolet light

SHOEBLAST SPECS Dimensions: 220x58x58 mm Weight: 400 g Method: Hot air circulation & UV light Capacity: Two shoes at the same time Power: 15 Wh Charging time: 180 minutes Operating time: 60 minutes Screen: LCD Price: $ 199

The ShoeBlast was developed by SMARTREUM BANG E Inc and is the successful highlight of a financing campaign hosted by Kickstarter that was concluded in July 2016.

The project was supported by 55 donors, with a total promise of $ 11,937 – or around £ 9,100.

As the Kickstarter page of the product indicates, there are around 250,000 sweat glands on your feet, each of which releases moisture into the shoes we wear.

In combination with the warm, dark environment around a foot in a shoe, this moisture creates a ‘garden of Eden’ for bacterial and fungal growth and odor production.

“Because of moisture, your feet suffer from athlete’s foot, flaking, itching,” said a ShoeBlast spokesperson.

“I hope you know these malicious bacteria are already in your shoes,” she added.

“Now you can defeat the bacteria and moisture that cause bad smells and chronic discomfort.”

The ShoeBlast was developed by SMARTREUM BANG E Inc and is the successful conclusion of a financing campaign hosted by Kickstarter that was completed in July 2016. The project was supported by 55 donors, with a total commitment of $ 11,937 – or around £ 9,100

The rechargeable battery-powered device has two cleaning elements that can be pulled out of the main part of the ShoeBlast and each can be inserted into a smelly shoe

The device also has humidity sensors to determine when it has finished cleaning and drying a certain pair of shoes

The portable, USB-rechargeable ShoeBlast is said to tackle moisture in the shoe and microorganisms with a bidentate approach.

First, each device insert blows hot air – around 40 – 60 ° C – around the shoes to help dry and sterilize the footwear without causing damage.

At the same time, LED ultraviolet lights are used to further sterilize the inside of the shoes – with reportedly eliminating ’99 percent of viruses’.

“ShoeBlast UV light not only looks like a laser show, it stops the spread of microscopic bacteria,” said a ShoeBlast spokesperson.

The device also has humidity sensors to determine when it has finished cleaning and drying a certain pair of shoes.

However, the ShoeBlast is not limited to use with smelly trainers – the device can be used on any shoe or even helmets, gloves and hats, the developers claim.

In combination with the warm, dark environment around a foot in a shoe, moisture creates a ‘garden of Eden’ for bacterial and fungal growth and odor production. The portable ShoeBlast, which can be recharged via USB, allegedly addresses this with both hot air circulation and sterilizing UV light. Below is a ShoeBlast that removes moisture from the inside of a plastic cup

However, the ShoeBlast is not limited to use with smelly trainers – the device can be used on any shoe or even helmets, gloves and hats, the developers claim