Nike Launch Their First Hands-Free Sneaker

Yesterday saw Nike release the GO FlyEase, much to the adoration of sneakerheads and the dismay of many others on social media.

“Penny loafers are laughing” read one comment, “So it’s a slip-on?” read another, “@crocs care to comment?” another. And to these people I say, please stop.

In a chat with a friend a few days back we discussed why Nike is the pioneering brand in sportswear. And our conclusion was one that centred around inclusion. Nike, better than any brand in the sector, have democratised exercise. Whether with Nike (M)- their maternity range, an extensive plus-size offering or the Pro Hijab, allowing Muslim women to participate in sport, the ‘If you have a body, you are an athlete’ mantra rings loud and true. And the Nike GO FlyEase is no exception.

Nike’s ‘North Star’ (for want of a less awful corporate word) was to create a shoe that was an ‘easy-on’, ‘easy-off’ solution that maintained the core characteristics of a sneaker. And with a hinge in the midsole, and what they are calling a ‘tensioner’ (the band wrapping the shoe), they have reimagined the kicking-off of shoes that most of us are guilty of day in, day out. Usually to the detriment of our normal shoes and to the outrage of our parents when we were kids.

Nike's FlyEase technology was first launched in 2015 on its Zoom Soldier 8 model. The tech was inspired by 16-year-old, Matthew Walzer who has cerebral palsy and wrote a letter to the company asking for an accessible shoe design for those who struggle with tying laces.

This GO FlyEase has inclusive and empowering design specifically aimed at those athletes that could not use their hands to assist with the putting on and taking off of a shoe. But in creating such a good looking and simple design, the universality of the release is clear to see. At around $120 they certainly aren’t cheap but Nike are yet again paving the way for accessible design, and that inspires other brands to get involved, long may it continue.