Google has expanded its AI-powered virtual try-on feature to include footwear, allowing shoppers to visualise how shoes might look on them without leaving home.

When browsing shoes on Google Shopping, users can now tap the “try it on” button to see heels, sneakers, or sandals digitally placed on their feet.

Rather than requiring users to photograph their own feet, the feature uses AI to transform shoes in full-length photos.

An example shared by Google shows someone uploading a full-body image while the AI replaces their white sneakers with various alternatives, including black heels with exposed toes.

The technology can generate realistic-looking feet independently, similar to Google’s Doppl app, which creates AI-generated clips of users wearing different outfits.

Google first tested its AI try-on feature with shirts, pants, dresses, and skirts in May 2024 before rolling it out to all US users in July.

The company has announced it will expand AI try-on for apparel and footwear to Australia, Canada, and Japan “in the coming weeks.”

The feature aims to reduce uncertainty in online shopping by helping customers visualise products before purchase, potentially decreasing return rates for retailers while improving the shopping experience.

The feature will be available for all products on Google Shopping automatically, with merchants not required to take any action to activate it.

This seamless integration means the AI try-on functionality will work across all footwear brands listed on the platform without requiring retailer opt-in.