Xiaomi Reportedly Making Smart Running Shoes With Li Ning

While we have already seen Chinese smartphone maker Xiaomi entering the wearable market through its Mi Band, it now is being said to shift its focus towards other wearables - namely, smart running shoes. The Chinese brand has reportedly joined hands with sports brand Li Ning to make the footwear that's said to arrive this year.

A report by Reuters states that Xiaomi's upcoming smart shoes might be more budget-friendly than other competing accessories like Nike's iPod-friendly shoes or the Adidas' miCoach Speed Cell. The firm however, has not confirmed plans, pricing or availability of the wearable.

The Xiaomi smart running shoe is said to feature a chipset that will send continuous data about the user's activity like distance walked, apart from analysing form and training milestones, to Xiaomi's dedicated mobile app.

The report adds that Xiaomi and Li Ning's smart running shoes will utilise tech by Huami Technology, the firm which previously partnered with Xiaomi for its Mi Band wearable.

"We have chosen to collaborate with the Mi Band because of Huami Technology's strength in "smart" wearable products," Li Ning said in a statement to Reuters on Monday. "We hope to use this opportunity to provide professional "smart" running shoes to running enthusiasts in China at an affordable price."

Recently, Xiaomi was reported to be working on an affordable Apple Watch competitor. The company is also said to be working on the successor to the Mi Band. The smartwatch might feature a round dial (similar to the Moto 360 and LG G Watch R) and could include a pulse measurement feature. Needless to say, Xiaomi is yet to confirm any of the above mentioned rumours.