DropLabs EP 01 is a sneaker ahead of its time. Designed by former Beats CEO Susan Palley, the EP 01's allow for a unique listening experience by inviting a wide variety of audio such as music, movies, and gaming to transmit through the sneakers, stimulating receptors in the feet. Because our feet have one of the highest concentration receptors in the human body, DropLabs takes full advantage of natural-feeling sensations that echo through the user's body.
The patented technology located between the mid and bottom soles of the shoe delivers the sound from your headphones straight into the shoe, emitting an intense sensation that trickles through the entire body. The full immersion experience allows for a sixth sense of proprioception allowing the user to enhance its body's sense of self and transport to another dimension without ever leaving the house.
I love the look and feel of the shoes. Both its minimalist triple black and classic designs are sleek and stylish but not too flashy. The dual-density mesh outside of the shoe is water-resistant so that the shoe can be worn no matter the conditions. The comfortable, lightweight foam inside the shoe feels like walking on a trampoline. Magnetic charging ports are located on the back of each shoe for all-day dancing up to six hours on a single charge.
The setup process is effortless and straightforward. Simply take the shoes out of the box, push the LED button on the back of each shoe, and download the compatible Droplabs application on your compatible device. The app walks the user through each step and only takes about five to ten minutes to complete. The application includes a multitude of features, my favorite being the ability to alter the bass through its contrasting filters: lush, velvet, bright, dramatic (for watching cinema), and seismic (designed for gaming and first-person shooters). You can also change the bass intensity, check the battery status of each shoe, and change the color of the LED's on the shoe in a variety of shades and colors for a custom look.
I tested out the shoes with an assortment of sounds transmitted from both music, movies, and video games and it exceeded my expectations. I felt an adrenaline rush throughout my entire body listening to hits like Goosebumps by Travis Scott, Maybe by the Kid Laroi and We Paid by Lil Baby that when I closed my eyes it made me feel like I was at their concerts packed with a sold-out crowd. Watching Netflix was a 4D experience that transported me into the main protagonist's world. In a car chase scene, I could feel my heart beating and felt like I was in the vehicle with them as the engine was revving. Gaming with the shoes on gave it another dimension and felt more real than ever before.
The EP 01's will forever change the way we hear music, games, and watch movies. Droplabs is creating a moment for gamers, movie fans, and music lovers alike to come together and experience sound like never before. 9.8/10.
