Nike’s Inclusive Innovation: Nike GO FlyEase

Nike is known for creating new and innovative designs but their newest hands-free shoe is a game-changer. No laces, zippers ties, velcro—just shoes that can be put on quickly and easily. The Nike GO FlyEase was created to be easy-on, easy-off for those who have disabilities, women who are pregnant, or people who simply don’t want to have to lace up before heading out. Paralympic athlete Sarah Reinertsen was involved in the design of the shoe explains that “If you design for the most extreme needs, then you’re unlocking benefits for everybody. If a shoe works for someone who has no hands, then it will work for people who have two hands.”

With the onset of COVID-19 more and more people are prioritizing comfort in their wardrobes and have adapted their routines to be hands-off. Not touching doorknobs, handles, surfaces, and shoes have all become part of the “new normal” that people around the globe are adjusting to. The latest shoe has many unique design features that make it a great choice for those of all ability types. Putting the shoe on simply requires a “kicking” motion; wearers can “kick down” to put their shoes on and “kick up” to take them off. The snapping on and off of the shoe is a technological feat and didn’t happen overnight. “We have things in our innovation space and in our pipeline that we don’t always come out with right away,” explained Reinertsen. “You try one footbed and it might not have held down enough. So we try another one. We tried different types of hinges — we wanted to make sure that you don’t feel the hinge underneath. Suffice to say, it was a journey.” The new shoes will be available in limited quantities starting February 15th, 2021.

“As we continue to push the limits of not only making athletes better, we also need to push the limits in terms of allowing all athletes to wear our product.”

– Richard Ramsay, FlyEase Innovator