Shoe Sensor Data: How to Record with Open Source

Shoe sensor data is revolutionizing the way cyclists analyze their performance, posture, and pedaling efficiency.

With affordable open-source solutions, you can transform your shoes into smart tools capable of capturing valuable information during every workout.

Monitoring this data offers benefits such as injury prevention, fine-tuning foot positioning, and performance optimization, all with simple, modular, and low-cost equipment.

In this practical guide, you’ll discover how to use platforms like PlatformIO, M5Stack, and OpenLog, build your own logging system, and take your cycling to a new level with technology and autonomy. Get ready to explore possibilities previously only available to professional athletes!

Tools That Transform Data into Performance

Let’s now explore in more detail the main open-source platforms that are making life easier for tech-savvy cyclists.

PlatformIO: Agility and Power in Development

PlatformIO is a super-modern development environment that runs directly in Visual Studio Code. It’s ideal for programming boards like ESP32 and Arduino, frequently used in wearable projects.

  • Quick integration with libraries
  • Support for multiple microcontrollers
  • Installation via terminal:

bash

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pip install platformio

It’s also worth noting that the community is active, and you can find several ready-made examples on the official PlatformIO website.

M5Stack: Everything in One Block

M5Stack is like a Swiss Army knife for those who want to prototype without the hassle. It already comes with a battery, display, Wi-Fi, and sensor pins.

  • Ideal for pressure and motion sensors
  • Modular design, easy to assemble and disassemble
  • Check out the collection of firmware and examples in the official GitHub repository

OpenLog: Simple, Screenless Logging

OpenLog is perfect for those who only need to log data to a microSD card and analyze it later. It records everything via serial port and is Arduino-compatible.

  • Lightweight and compact
  • Great for long data captures
  • See the full guide on the SparkFun website

Sensors That Make a Difference

To better understand how the system works, let’s look at some of the most commonly used sensors for smart cycling shoes:

  • Flex Sensor: Detects curvature and pressure under the insole.
  • MPU6050: Captures acceleration and rotation, great for motion analysis.
  • HX711 + Load Cell: Accurately measures pedal force.
  • Temperature Sensor: Can monitor foot heat or thermal comfort.

These sensors, when combined, provide a detailed reading of shoe sensor data, allowing you to optimize your pedaling based on concrete facts.

Building Your Own System – Step by Step

Let’s delve a little deeper into this topic with a practical guide to get you started right away:

1. Choose the ideal board:

ESP32 is lightweight, fast, and has Wi-Fi. M5Stack is even more complete.

2. Install the development environment:

If using PlatformIO, open your terminal and type:

bash

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pip install platformio

3. Connect the sensors:

Use the GPIO pins (for example, GPIO 34 for analog sensors).

4. Load the right library:

For sensors like the MPU6050 or HX711, look for libraries in PlatformIO or the Arduino IDE. 5. Record data:

If using OpenLog, connect to the serial port and record directly to the microSD card.

6. Test the system:

Place the sensor under the insole or shoe, get on the bike, and observe the reading. Use software like Excel or Python to visualize the data.

7. Analyze your performance:

Check for excessive pressure, imbalance between the feet, or poor posture.

 Integrations with Applications and Platforms

It’s important to emphasize that recording footwear sensor data is just the beginning. To make the most of this information, integrating with other platforms can open up a range of possibilities.

Compatible applications:

These integrations help you transform numbers into practical strategies to improve your performance.

How to Calibrate and Validate Your Sensors

Let’s now explore a fundamental point in more detail: calibration. There’s no point in capturing footwear sensor data if it’s unreliable.

Tips for proper calibration:

  • Flex Sensors: Use known weights or fixed angles to record variations.
  • HX711 with load cell: Take readings with progressive loads and compare them with a digital scale.
  • MPU6050: Use mobile apps to validate acceleration and rotation in real time.

Validate data by comparing it to external sources or repetitions. Good data = good decisions.

What the Data Really Says About Your Ride

To better understand the practical value of shoe sensor data, it’s essential to know how to interpret the results. Here are some examples of what you might discover:

  • Uneven pressure distribution: Could indicate poor posture, a poorly adjusted saddle, or muscular compensations.
  • Peaks of force on the left pedal: Maybe your right side is losing efficiency.
  • Variations in acceleration: Probably a reflection of poorly selected gears or variations in the terrain.

These small readings can reveal big opportunities for improvement, often overlooked in conventional training.

Sensor System Maintenance

It’s also important to emphasize the importance of taking good care of your sensors to ensure consistent results:

  • Store sensors away from moisture and dust.
  • Clean connectors regularly.
  • Avoid excessive bending of cables.
  • Recharge batteries before each use.
  • Update the firmware whenever possible to avoid bugs.

A well-maintained system performs better, records more accurately, and has a longer lifespan.

Tests You Can Perform with Your Data

Let’s delve a little deeper into this topic with suggestions for simple but revealing tests:

  • Symmetry test: Compare pressure between your feet during a workout.
  • Endurance test: Observe the change in data during a long ride (> 1 hour).
  • Cadence variation test: See how movement and pressure change at different revolutions per minute.
  • Bike fitting test: Use the data to evaluate saddle or cleat adjustments.

These experiments help you interpret your own data like a scientist, just without the need for a lab.

Tips You’ve Probably Never Tried

To help you stand out with your project, we’ve put together some tips that are different from the traditional ones:

  • Place the sensor on the side of the insole: This can reveal unexpected inclines during turns.
  • Use two sensors in parallel on the same foot: This comparison can show where there’s asymmetry in the pedal stroke.
  • Try mapping the temperature variation inside the shoe: It can indicate friction points or poor circulation.
  • Record short audio messages synchronized with the data: This helps you identify events during the ride, such as bumps or braking.

Program real-time vibration alerts: Ideal for automatic postural corrections with haptic feedback.

Conclusion: Shoe Sensor Data

We’ve reached the end of this technological journey, and you now know how to record footwear sensor data with 100% open-source, accessible, and easy-to-configure tools. Together, we explored platforms like PlatformIO, M5Stack, and OpenLog, motion and pressure sensors, and a complete step-by-step guide to building your own monitoring system.

The biggest benefit? You gain the autonomy to better understand your body, avoid injuries, and improve performance with real, reliable data.

Now it’s your turn: experiment with your setup, test different sensors, and explore new ways to analyze your rides. Want to evolve as a cyclist? Then get started today.

Your next ride can be much smarter than your last. Just take the first step.

Foto Autor: Camila Torres

Camila Torres

Sou a Camila, engenheira de materiais e ciclista apaixonada por soluções sustentáveis. No PedalShoes.com.br, compartilho o que aprendo (e testo na prática) sobre calçados de ciclismo que respeitam seu corpo e o planeta.

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