A device in every pair of shoes records the frequency and duration of the times when they have been worn.

When they have been neglected in favour of other pairs, they begin to periodically tap their heels, making a persistent sound. This tapping is created by simple internal mechanics, which are driven by stored energy accumulated through the act of walking. Most shoes are comparatively light in weight, so very little energy would be required to cause them to make a light tapping action.

A control panel accessed under the arch of the shoes enables maintenance and adjustment of the variable settings.
-- xenzag, Nov 18 2010

...while I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping,
As of footwear gently rapping, rapping at my cupboard door.
" 'Tis some lonely shoes," I muttered, "tapping at my cupboard door;
Only this, and nothing more."...
-- hippo, Nov 18 2010


see now this is why I want bonus voting buns [+][+] despite the Title I don't get and clumsy afterthoughted "control panel". Nice tagteaming hippo and xandram.
-- FlyingToaster, Nov 18 2010


My wife's closet would sound like a chorus line. [ ]
-- Boomershine, Nov 18 2010


They could be set to only start dancing when the door's opened.
-- FlyingToaster, Nov 18 2010


Took a minute to get the title, I was thinking <why not Imelda choose me? and why does this Jimmy have so many shoes anyway?>
-- 2 fries shy of a happy meal, Nov 18 2010


It would have taken me the rest of my life to get the title. I finally Googled it.

I like your addition, [FT]. I could live with that, just to see those shoes tapping away. [+]
-- Boomershine, Nov 18 2010


I imagine this is rather similar to how sharing a house with Michael Flatley would be. Horrific idea, xenzag! I'm now imagining a Reservoir Dogs type scenario, where you are tied to a chair in an old, abandoned warehouse and Riverdance plays loudly in the background as Michael Madsen comes clog dancing towards you armed with a straight razor.
-- DrBob, Nov 19 2010



random, halfbakery