Shopping for shoes online has always felt a bit like gambling. Will they fit? Will they look right? Will they betray you with blisters on day one? Thanks to a new tech-powered feature from Google, those doubts might be about to disappear — and all you need is a smartphone and your feet.
Google’s virtual shoe try-on is here
In a move that feels equal parts futuristic and practical, Google has launched a virtual try-on tool for shoes directly within its Search and Shopping platforms. The aim? To let you see exactly how those sneakers or loafers will look on your feet before you hit “Buy Now”.
This clever update has rolled out in the US, Canada, Japan, and Australia, with more countries likely to follow. Using the feature is straightforward: browse a pair of shoes on Google Shopping, tap the new “Try On” button, upload a clear photo of your foot, and voilà — you’ll get a realistic preview of how the shoe fits and contours to your shape. You can even swipe through a carousel of styles to compare different pairs side by side.
No more squinting at product photos or relying on the model’s perfectly symmetrical feet. This tool recognises foot shape and depth, giving you a personalised view of what those shoes might look like in the real world.
This isn’t Google’s first dip into digital fashion. Back in June, it released Doppl, an experimental app that let users build digital avatars and try on outfits virtually. The shoe try-on experience builds on that tech — just a bit more refined, and clearly focused on your lower half.
Of course, it’s not flawless. Google itself admits that there may be slight inaccuracies, especially when it comes to personal foot features or how different lighting affects the image. For the best results, your photo should have good lighting, a clear background, and no socks (sorry, slipper fans).
And yes, before you ask — you do need to own the photo or have permission to use it. Borrowing a friend’s foot pic might sound creative, but Google won’t let it fly.
Your data, your call
In an era of digital privacy concerns, it’s fair to wonder what happens to the photos you upload. According to Google, the images used for this feature are not stored, not used to train AI, and you have full control to delete both the original image and the virtual try-on version.
That’s a welcome level of transparency, especially when dealing with images of body parts — even if it’s just your feet.
What’s next in AI-powered fashion?
This tech is a glimpse into a future where AI meets retail in increasingly personal ways. If you can try on shoes like this now, who’s to say you won’t one day be able to feel the material or smell the leather from your screen? Okay, maybe we’re not quite there yet — but things are certainly heading in that direction.
In the meantime, this feature could save shoppers countless hours (and return shipping fees), and let them make better decisions from the comfort of their living room. So go ahead — let Google look at your feet. It’s all in the name of style and convenience.