Aetrex reached a major milestone for its FitAI technology, surpassing 2 million recommendations for shoppers across more than 500 retail locations. Now enrolled by over 100 global retailers—including industry leaders like Asics, Puma, DSW and Fit2Run—FitAI uses proprietary 3D foot-scanning and AI software to bridge the gap between 3D foot shape and shoe internal geometry. By matching unique 3D foot data with 3D shoe scans by brand and style, Aetrex delivers unparalleled fit accuracy both in-store and online.
“Our goal when we set out to create Aetrex FitAI was to equip sales associates with a tool to guide consumers to the right shoe fit for their unique feet, effectively building purchase confidence and promoting better foot health,” said Aetrex CEO Larry Schwartz. “The result is a data-driven complement to the traditional sales associate interaction, offering a more detailed and consultative engagement that elevates the retail experience both in-store and online, enhancing brand loyalty.”
With an average customer engagement rate of 45% to 60%, FitAI retail partners report additional positive impacts that help increase the bottom line:
- Asics: Asics consumers who interact with FitAI show significantly higher marketing opt-in rates compared to traditional retail shoppers. Internationally, engagement rates surpassed initial expectations, highlighting strong global performance and consumer interest.
- Fit2Run: FitAI empowers Fit2Run to capture high-value customer data during its 3D fit process and activate it through personalized recommendations across in-store and online channels—driving sustained engagement, repeat traffic and higher lifetime value.
- Puma: FitAI delivers tailored feedback that boosts Puma customers’ confidence in fit and comfort choices, minimizing the hesitation often associated with shopping for performance footwear. This empowers store associates to effectively highlight specific performance benefits of their footwear for each customer’s unique needs.
“FitAI enhances our store’s premium, end-to-end fit experience,” said John Wompey, chief operating and customer officer for Fit2Run. “The program extends beyond the store. Its accuracy and ease of use drive customer loyalty—shoppers are five times more likely to return for a new purchase—while seamlessly integrating the in-store and online journey for a smooth, streamlined, elevated shopping experience.”
How it works:
- Retailer sets up a 3D foot scanner (Albert Pro or Zoe Pro)
- Retailer shares its digital product feed with Aetrex, which is matched against the proprietary SmartLast database of 3D-scanned footwear in inventory; if fewer than 75% of the products are in the database, Aetrex scans additional shoes from the retailer’s inventory at an Aetrex fit lab
- Consumer gets feet scanned at retailer’s store, and FitAI software displays personalized fit ratings, ranging from “excellent” to “poor”
Once a retailer matches 5,000 foot scans to in-store purchase-matching data points, FitAI can be made available online, allowing shoppers with a completed scan to log in to the retailer’s website and receive personalized fit recommendations.
