Nike has unveiled its initial entirely hands-absolutely free sneaker: the Nike Go FlyEase. Nike FlyEase is an simple-entry footwear method created by Tobie Hatfield that was launched in 2015. Over the final half decade, Nike experimented with a assortment of no-lace options ranging from Velcro to zippers to cable dials ahead of launching its initial hands-absolutely free sneaker – but the inspiration for this “accessible and empowering design” came from a letter written to the corporation in 2012.
In 2012, Matthew Walzer – a 16-year-old with Cerebral Palsy – contacted Nike, telling them that it was his dream to go to college with no worrying about a person obtaining to tie his shoelaces day in and day out. Mr Walzer was born two months premature, with below-created lungs that led to Cerebral Palsy, according to Nike. While he overcame a lot of physical obstacles, tying his personal shoelaces remained a challenge.
“At 16 years old, I am able to completely dress myself, but my parents still have to tie my shoes. As a teenager who is striving to become totally self-sufficient, I find this extremely frustrating and, at times, embarrassing,” Matthew Walzer wrote.
The teen’s letter inspired Tobie Hatfield to develop a shoe that would address his certain require. In 2012, Nike delivered a Hatfield design and style to Mr Walzer for put on testing, but Mr Hatfield continued to work on designing footwear to assistance other folks with unique requires. This journey led to the improvement of Nike FlyEase – a variety of no-lace footwear launched in 2015 that on Monday introduced Nike Go FlyEase, its most revolutionary design and style to date.
“Your talented team of designers has thoughtfully created a shoe that, for the first time in my life, I can put on myself. When I put the shoes on every morning, they give the greatest sense of independence and accomplishment I have ever felt in my life,” stated Mr Walzer at the time.
Then 16-year-old Matthew Walzer, who has Cerebral Palsy, wrote to Nike in 2012 saying he was disappointed no athletic brand had believed to develop sneakers adapted for folks with disabilities like him. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/fFiNMvVjry
— GoodNewsCorrespondent (@GoodNewsCorres1) February 2, 2021
The story behind the improvement of this sneaker has won Nike a lot of praise and goodwill on social media.
“As someone who has Cerebral Palsy, this moved me to tears. Thank you Matthew and Nike for making this possible!! Simply amazing,” wrote one Twitter user.
“What an awesome story,” stated an additional.
According to Nike’s web-site, the Go FlyEase utilises a “bi-stable hinge that enables the shoe to be secure in fully open and fully closed states.”