Nike made the first ever hands free sneaker

Nike's new sneakers are evidence of how technology and design can meet to create a hands-free shoe

Earlier this week Nike debuted the Go FlyEase sneakers, a pair of shoes that you can easily slip on and take off without the use of your hands.

This is probably the most innovative addition to sneakers since velcro was introduced in the 80's. It is certainly a game changer, not just for those of us who want a shoe that requires minimum effort to slip on, but also for those with limited mobility.

“Usually I spend so much time to get in my shoes,” explained Paralympic gold medallist fencing champion Bebe Vio, “With the Nike Go FlyEase, I just need to put my feet in and jump on it. The shoes are a new kind of technology, not only for adaptive athletes but for everyone's real life.”

Courtesy: Bebe Vio

Launching the shoes on its website first fits into Nike's recent strategy of selling directly to consumers online rather than through traditional retailers. The company reported in December 2020 that its online sales soared by 84% in the past year, as more people snapped up fitness and casual shoes, something that can be attributed to the pandemic which lead more people to stay at home.

Courtesy: Nike

How does it work?

Behind the shoe's smooth motion is a bi-stable hinge that enables the shoe to be secure in fully open and fully closed states.

Around the shoe is a tension band. The tensioner’s unique flexibility allow the shoe to spring snugly in place when it's on and allows you to kick off the shoe hands free, to take them off.

Courtesy: Nike

The Nike Go FlyEase trainers are currently only available to select Nike Members for around £120, and then will be available to the public later this year.