Xesto App: AI-Powered Foot Scanning for Perfect Shoe Gifts
Revolutionizing Online Shoe Shopping with 3D Foot Scanning
Just in time for Black Friday, Canadian startup Xesto launches its innovative foot-scanning app that leverages iPhone’s TrueDepth camera to create precise 3D foot models. This technology aims to solve the age-old problem of online shoe shopping: finding the perfect fit.
From Human-Computer Interaction to Foot Scanning
Founded in 2015 as a human-computer interaction research project at the University of Toronto, Xesto pivoted to mobile sizing after the 2017 iPhone X launch. The device’s 3D depth camera opened new possibilities for accurate body measurements.
CEO Sophie Howe explains the inspiration: “When my boyfriend struggled to buy me shoes as a gift, I realized this was a universal pain point. Shoes have such wardrobe importance - we’re unlocking their gifting potential.”
How Xesto Stands Out
- Unmatched Accuracy: Claims under 1.5mm precision compared to compe*****s
- Brand Agnostic: Works with over 150 shoe brands across all styles
- Social Sharing: Users can share foot scans with friends/family for gift purchases
- Completely Free: No cost for users - monetization comes through brand partnerships
The Technology Behind the Fit
Xesto’s app creates:
- Detailed 3D point cloud foot models
- Photorealistic foot views
- Granular foot measurements
The system compares user measurements against brand sizing charts while incorporating customer feedback about specific models’ fit tendencies.
Solving Two Major Shoe Shopping Problems
- Personal Purchases: Eliminates guesswork when trying new brands
- Gift Buying: Enables accurate sizing without spoiling surprises
“We remove uncertainty by matching your 3D foot dimensions to brand sizing guides,” says Howe. “Our sharing feature makes group and remote shopping effortless.”
What’s Next for Xesto
With one patent granted and another pending, the startup plans:
- Expanded brand partnerships in 2021
- Enhanced algorithms using customer feedback
- Continued free access for consumers
While compe*****s exist, Xesto believes its combination of precision scanning and social features creates a unique value proposition in the virtual shoe fitting space.
