How Neatsy AI Uses iPhone 3D Scanning to Solve Sneaker Fit Issues
The Problem With Online Sneaker Shopping
Online shoe shopping comes with a major pain point: inconsistent sizing across brands leads to high return rates. Studies show that:
- 30-50% of online shoe purchases get returned
- Size/fit mismatches account for most returns
- Return logistics cost retailers billions annually
Neatsy AI, a U.S.-based startup, aims to solve this problem through innovative 3D foot scanning technology.
How Neatsy’s 3D Foot Scanning Works
The iOS app (currently in soft launch) uses the iPhone’s FaceID camera to:
- Capture detailed 3D models of users’ feet
- Analyze foot shape and dimensions
- Predict optimal fits across major sneaker brands (Nike, Adidas, Puma, etc.)
- Display personalized fit scores (1-5) for each shoe model
“Our machine learning model analyzes both foot scans and sneaker insole data to predict comfort,” explains CEO Artem Semyanov, former head of machine learning at Prism Labs.
Proven Results and Market Potential
Early testing shows promising outcomes:
- 2.7x reduction in size-related returns
- 1.9x decrease in overall returns
- Currently available in 9 countries including US and UK
The startup has raised $400K in pre-seed funding and secured a US patent for its technology.
Why This Matters for Ecommerce
Semyanov highlights the broader industry impact:
- Sneaker returns cost retailers $30B annually
- 70% of online shoppers make returns each year
- Return experience significantly impacts brand loyalty
“We’re treating the root cause of returns rather than just the symptoms,” Semyanov notes.
Challenges and Future Plans
While innovative, the technology has some limitations:
- Currently requires iPhones with FaceID cameras
- Scanning process takes several steps
- Users need solid-colored socks for accurate scans
The company plans to:
- Fix compatibility issues with older iPhone models
- Expand brand partnerships
- Eventually shift to a B2B model for broader ecommerce integration
“We envision our fitting technology becoming as standard as credit card payments in online stores,” Semyanov concludes.
This focused approach to sneaker fit could finally provide a solution to one of ecommerce’s most persistent challenges.
