The new Moonwalkers robot shoes are definitely lighter and supposedly safer
![A photo of two shoes with wheels on them, from the side.](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/u8jpN5ZRZa6_a2AvtJMZzwlfXuI=/156x0:1844x1125/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73019664/Moonwalkers_X_pair_side_view_elevated_transparent_background_2000x1125px_12_2023__1_.0.jpeg)
The Moonwalkers went somewhat viral in 2022 when the company behind them, Shift Robotics, promised it had created “the world’s fastest shoes.” They’re not exactly shoes, though: they strap on top of your existing shoes like you’re putting on a pair of Tevas, and they put 10 wheels underneath each foot to turn every step into a glide, like you’re perpetually walking on a moving sidewalk. They’re adult Heelys, basically, only bigger, higher-tech, and more expensive.
Now, Shift Robotics is back with a new pair, the Moonwalkers X, which the company says it plans to show off at the CES gadget extravaganza in Las Vegas next week. The new shoes are lighter — 3.2 pounds on each foot, which is still a lot but a full pound lighter than the...