With a disappointing year and its future on shaky ground, both Apple and its investors are probably thinking the same thing, what else is the company going to do bounce back.

Well, if a recent patent application is any indication, the future of one of the world’s most prominent tech companies rest solely on, wait for it, shoes. That’s right let it sink in.

The patent application filed in the U.S. patent office was recently uncovered by an Apple fan website, asking for the right to a “smart shoe” system, that integrated a processor and tiny sensors into everyday footwear.

It could be a “smart sneaker”, a “smart loafer”, or even a “smart sandal”.

“Shoes (including sneakers or boots, for example) provide comfort and protection for feet,” the company wrote in their patent application, explaining that “when a critical wear level is reached, even if the shoe looks like it is not particularly worn, the shoe may not provide adequate support and may, in fact, cause damage to feet.”

While it’s a bit of an unusual step for the company, think about it, the uses for a smart shoe are pretty practical.  The app could alert the user when the shoe needs replacing, tell how far you have walked today, a week or a month, or is the shoe the right fit your body mass and foot shape.

Can’t find your shoes? Let the app locate them for you.

Think about for a moment, how this app could go past footwear and into wearables. Is smart clothing Apple’s next big thing? The app could also be integrated into clothing, like shirts and sweat pants, or even other sporting goods like skates, and ski boots.

In just a few days, the company is expected to make a big announcement to the world.

There’s no doubt that Apple is at the center of technology’s largest revolution ever.