Aetrex looks to change the game for kid’s shoe shopping with 3D technology powered foot scanning solution

Aetrex has launched new children’s foot scanning technology, Tootsie.

Available within the software of Aetrex’s 3D foot scanner, Albert 2 Pro, this features a friendly monster named Tootsie who guides children through the foot scanning process in a fun and educational way.

With each foot scan, the software provides 3D foot measurements and a recommended shoe size. Available now, it can be found in over 1,000 retail doors in the US, including Tradehome and select DSW stores.

Once a child stands on the Albert 2 Pro, Tootsie guides them through the foot scanning process, encouraging them to stand still by counting to five before capturing their unique foot data. The talking monster also dances during the seconds long scanning process.

"Tootsie is truly changing the game for kid’s shoe shopping. The foot measuring process for kids today typically involves a parent struggling to help put a wiggling child onto a Brannock device, measuring one foot at a time, which is not usually fun for the child or the parent,” says Larry Schwartz, CEO at Aetrex.

“Our goal was to design a kids specific scanning software to keep the child excited and entertained during the scan process, and to quickly measure both feet at the same time. Shoe shopping for kids should be fun and not like going to the dentist, like it was before Tootsie.”

Following the initial foot scan, Tootsie sends parents a six-month reminder to get their children’s feet re-scanned.

Through this process, retailers can build customer loyalty and offer personalised marketing materials.

Participating retailers also have the option to offer Tootsie branded promotional items such as balloons, stickers, temporary tattoos, and t-shirts to children who use the foot scanner.

2024 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

3D technology is a key focus area for the sixth edition of the RTIH Innovation Awards, which is now open for entries.

The awards, sponsored by CADS, 3D Cloud, Retail Technology Show 2025, and Business France, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

It’s free to enter and you can do so across multiple categories.

Key 2024 dates

Friday, 25th October: Award entry deadline 

Tuesday, 29th October: 2024 shortlist revealed

30th October-6th November: Judging days

Thursday, 21st November: Winners announced at the 2024 RTIH Innovation Awards ceremony, to be held at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London.