The term "flat feet" may take on new meaning with Reebok International's new sneakers that can be inflated with air with built-in pumps and will sell for $170 a pair.
"The wearer will be able to inflate the shoe using a pump on the tongue of the shoe, making it fit round the wearer's foot perfectly," Reebok said in a statement Wednesday."Before removing the shoe, the wearer must release the air, using a special valve on the heel."
Kate Burnham, spokeswoman for Reebok, said air can be let out of the sneakers gradually, adjusting the fit if ankles swell during a game.
"It creates a totally adjustable kind of shoe with support around the ankle," she said.
The sneakers, called "The Pump," are scheduled to go on sale in November. The first ones will be designed for basketball players, but less expensive versions will be offered next year.
Nike, a Reebok competitor, reprortedly will introduce "Air Pressure" sneakers next month that will have ankle collars that can be inflated with a small portable pump.
Those sneakers will sell for $175 a pair, a Nike official told the Boston Herald.