WATCH | Walk at double the speed with the world's fastest shoes

A company called Shift Robotics has designed a gadget that straps to your shoes to allow you to walk two and a half times faster — without extra effort.

They may look like strap-on roller skates, but the electric Moonwalkers don't require you to skate. They are a new “enhanced mobility” device that enables you to walk at the speed of a run. 

They are fitted with eight wheels but do not freewheel, as they move only when you do. This means you can go up and down stairs, step into mass transit, and wait confidently at intersections.

Moonwalkers are powered by artificial intelligence, which uses machine learning algorithms to move when you move and stop when you stop.

An ergonomic hinge system allows your foot to naturally bend at your toes, preserving your mobility and balance.

There's no need to worry about hills or crumbling pavements, as the Moonwalkers are built to overcome the most demanding urban obstacles.

The electrically-powered Moonwalkers can be fully charged in one and a half hours for more than 9km of range. They can reportedly be attached to a wide variety of shoes, using their adjustable straps and quick-release magnetic buckles.

The Moonwalkers are the subject of a kick-starter campaign. A pledge of $899 (about R16,000) will get you a pair, a discount over the planned retail price of $1,399. 

Watch them in action.