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In 2008, then-Nike CEO Mark Parker learned that the company’s first employee had suffered a stroke and lost the use of one hand. So Parker put one of his top designers, Tobie Hatfield, onto making a shoe that required limited dexterity. By 2015, that prototype—a gift to a single employee—evolved into Flyease. It was a shoe technology that anyone could buy and put on one-handed, because it could be zipped on and velcroed shut.
Six years later, Nike is taking Flyease to its next stage with the Flyease Go, which will premiere in a gradual rollout this year for $120.
"It’s our first hands-free shoe,” says Hatfield. And while Go is made for people who have difficulty tying their laces—that could be anyone from a pregnant woman in her third trimester to an older adult with arthritic hands—Nike believes its lace-less design will resonate with anyone who’d like to slip into their shoes with more ease.
[Photo: Nike]
Sliding a pair of Flyease Gos onto my own feet, I’m prone to agree. The Go is an example of universal design (or what some might call inclusive design) at its finest. While I’m able to tie my own shoes, this innovation, made for people who cannot, is still a great benefit to me. My first thought, as the shoe envelopes my foot is, “this is the ultimate COVID footwear.” It’s the perfect pairing for my black sweats.
FULL ARTICLE: https://www.fastcompany.com/90599458...onto-your-feet
Six years later, Nike is taking Flyease to its next stage with the Flyease Go, which will premiere in a gradual rollout this year for $120.
"It’s our first hands-free shoe,” says Hatfield. And while Go is made for people who have difficulty tying their laces—that could be anyone from a pregnant woman in her third trimester to an older adult with arthritic hands—Nike believes its lace-less design will resonate with anyone who’d like to slip into their shoes with more ease.
[Photo: Nike]Sliding a pair of Flyease Gos onto my own feet, I’m prone to agree. The Go is an example of universal design (or what some might call inclusive design) at its finest. While I’m able to tie my own shoes, this innovation, made for people who cannot, is still a great benefit to me. My first thought, as the shoe envelopes my foot is, “this is the ultimate COVID footwear.” It’s the perfect pairing for my black sweats.
FULL ARTICLE: https://www.fastcompany.com/90599458...onto-your-feet
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