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With "Nike Go FlyEasy" Nike presents a pair of shoes that can be put on and taken off quickly - without any hands. The inspiration for this was a 16-year-old boy with a disability and a request …
We wear them every day and usually don't think about it: our shoes. But this daily necessity becomes a problem for some.
And that's exactly why Nike is introducing its first "hands-free" shoes. The sporting goods manufacturer's new sneakers are a fun convenience for many, but a real relief for people with disabilities.
The first smart sneakers for people with disabilities?
Matthew Walzer got the idea rolling. The young man was born with underdeveloped lungs that later led to cerebral palsy - a permanent movement disorder. When Matthew was 16 years old, he wrote a letter to the US company with the following request: "My dream is that one day I will go to university and nobody will have to come by every day to help me. Now I can completely myself but my parents still have to tie my shoes. As a teenager struggling to live self-sufficient, this is frustrating and embarrassing too. Maybe you can help me?"
Nike actually responded. And with "Go FlyEasy" sneakers are now coming onto the market that can be put on without hands or bending over. Instead of shoelaces, a hinge is used, similar to a ski boot binding. To slip on, you simply step into the opened shoe, then it closes almost automatically and you're ready to go. When taking it off, a little pressure is applied to the heel and the hinge pops up again (see video).
Put on shoes without hands or bending over
Many other people will certainly love that too: be it because you don't have a hand free, suffer from back pain or you have to move quickly. Or you are sometimes a little lazy (like us) and you really want the colorful sneakers! However, we have to be patient. The $ 120 shoes are available in three different color designs, but from February 15 they will only be available to selected Nike members - the masses will have to wait until summer 2021. Unfortunately, the fact that the sneakers are not immediately available to everyone negates the accessibility …
