Freeaim updates Freeaim VR shoes with improved features so everyone can “moonwalk” better in SteamVR games.

Freeaim has improved their Freeaim VR shoes with a set of fine-tuned updates to improve stability and usability. These powered, wheeled VR shoes allow wearers to walk in real life to move about in SteamVR virtual reality environments while their bodies remain in the same location.

Many methods of moving about virtual worlds have been developed from handheld controllers to tethered VR walking platforms. Users are limited in their ability to interact in VR when their hands are using controllers, and tethered platforms are expensive, bulky, and cumbersome. And with the exception of the recent Disney Imagineer multi-user VR platform, VR walking platforms are single user experiences.

Freeaim VR shoes can be used on any hard floor while powered wheels keep users within a 6.6 x 6.6 foot (2 x 2 meter) space. Walking in place creates the uncanny illusion of “moonwalking”, and the shoes will support walking, turning, jogging, sidestepping, and crouching users weighing up to 260 pounds (120 kg). Tuning has improved the stability of the shoes when taking small steps as well as turning to change direction for a better beginner experience.

Each shoe weighs 2.6 pounds (1.2 kg) with battery and has an adjustable fit. Bluetooth connections allow VR enthusiasts to walk and turn freely untethered, and swappable batteries power the shoes for up to 2 hours.

Consumer pricing and sales for the Freeaim VR shoes will be announced later in 2024. Freeaim is also interested in working with business partners to develop commercial applications for the Freeaim VR Pro shoes. In the meantime, why not participate in VR as a creator animating avatars using body trackers (like this at Amazon).