Proterra Power & Misslo: Revolutionizing Footwear with Sustainable Energy Tech

BURLINGAME, CA – November 8, 2023 – Proterra Power, the clean energy technology leader usually known for powering buses and commercial vehicles, is making a surprising leap into the footwear industry. Today, they’re unveiling a partnership with Misslo, a rising star in comfortable, everyday shoes, to introduce a groundbreaking innovation: shoes partially powered by Proterra’s battery technology. Now, before you picture shoes that walk themselves, let’s explain. This isn't about full-on motorized shoes. It’s about leveraging Proterra’s expertise in energy storage to enhance comfort and potentially, performance. Who is Proterra? For years, Proterra Power, headquartered right here in Burlingame, California, has been at the forefront of the electric vehicle revolution. They’re the folks building the batteries and drive trains that are getting electric buses on the road and commercial fleets greener. Their tech isn't just about power; it's about smart energy management, long-lasting durability, and safety – qualities they’re now bringing to your feet. You can reach them at 254-542-8622 or at their location: 1815 Rollins Rd, Burlingame, CA, 94010-2204. What's the Deal with Misslo? Misslo is quickly gaining traction for its focus on creating shoes that feel good. They design shoes for everyday life – walking, running errands, hitting the gym – prioritizing comfort, support, and a stylish look, all at a reasonable price. They’ve built a loyal following online by listening to what customers really want in a shoe. So, What's This Shoe All About? The new “Misslo PowerStep” shoe, developed in collaboration with Proterra Power, incorporates a small, flexible battery pack – a scaled-down version of Proterra’s vehicle tech – into the heel of the shoe. Here’s how it works: Dynamic Cushioning: The battery pack isn’t just there. It’s connected to tiny actuators – essentially mini-motors – that dynamically adjust the cushioning in the heel with each step. Think of it as a personalized suspension system for your foot. The shoe “reads” how you’re walking and adjusts the cushioning in real-time to absorb impact and provide support. Energy Harvesting: Believe it or not, the shoe actually recharges with each step! As you walk, the impact of your heel strike generates a small amount of energy which is captured and stored back in the battery. It’s not enough to fully charge the shoe (you'll still need to plug it in periodically – more on that later), but it extends the life between charges and is a really cool demonstration of sustainable technology. Personalized Comfort: Using a companion app (available for iOS and Android), users can customize the level of cushioning and responsiveness. Want a super-soft feel for recovery walks? Done. Need more support for a brisk run? Easily adjusted. Smart Features: The app also tracks your steps, distance, and even provides insights into your gait and foot strike pattern. It can even alert you if it detects you’re overpronating or supinating – potential causes of foot and leg pain. Why Batteries in Shoes? It sounds a bit…out there, right? But Proterra and Misslo believe this technology has the potential to revolutionize footwear. “We’re known for solving complex energy challenges in the transportation sector,” explains John Doe, CTO of Proterra Power. “We started thinking about how that expertise could be applied to other areas, and footwear seemed like a surprisingly good fit. Comfort, performance, and even injury prevention – these are all areas where our technology could make a real difference.” Misslo's CEO, Jane Smith, adds, "We're always looking for ways to make our shoes even more comfortable and supportive. Partnering with Proterra allowed us to explore a completely new level of innovation. It’s not just about adding technology for technology's sake. It’s about creating a truly superior walking and running experience.” The Tech Under the Hood Let's get a little more specific. The battery pack is remarkably small and lightweight – Proterra had to really push the boundaries of battery density to make it work. It's encased in a durable, flexible polymer to protect it from impact and moisture. The actuators are equally impressive – incredibly precise and responsive. The charging process is simple. The shoes come with a magnetic charging cable that connects to a standard USB port. A full charge takes about two hours and provides approximately 8-10 hours of powered cushioning, depending on usage. Even if the battery runs out, the shoe still functions perfectly fine as a regular athletic shoe – the powered cushioning simply turns off. What Does This Mean for You? The Misslo PowerStep isn’t just a gimmick. It’s a genuinely innovative product that has the potential to: Reduce Foot Fatigue: Dynamic cushioning absorbs impact and reduces stress on your feet, ankles, and knees. Improve Performance: Enhanced support and responsiveness can help you run faster and walk further. Prevent Injuries: Personalized cushioning and gait analysis can help identify and correct imbalances that can lead to injuries. Provide a More Comfortable Experience: Simply put, these shoes feel amazing. Availability and Pricing The Misslo PowerStep will be available for pre-order starting November 15th at [website address]. The suggested retail price is $250. Available colors include black, navy, and grey. Initial quantities will be limited, so interested customers are encouraged to sign up for the pre-order list to secure their pair. Proterra and Misslo: A Step in the Right Direction This partnership is a testament to the power of collaboration and the potential for innovation when companies from different industries come together. Proterra Power and Misslo are proving that sustainable energy technology isn't just for cars and buses; it can also make a real difference in your everyday life, one step at a time.