The Nike FLYEASE sneakers are a cutting-edge shoe design inspired by two individuals who have physical disabilities. Jeff Johnson was Nike's first employee but a stroke left his right hand immobile and Matthew Walzer is a young boy who lives with cerebral palsy, which means his mobility depends on his braces.
Together these two males found a way to gain a sense of pride and independence through the development of the Nike FLYEASE shoe. The shoe was collaboratively designed by Tinker Hatfield over the course of three years.
This shoe is equipped with a wrap-around zipper that leads from the upper top of the ankle down the back of the foot to the bottom of the heel. Essentially the shoe requires one hand or none at all to put them on. These innovative high-top shoes are super comfy, stylish, simple to use and are effortless to slip on and off.
What Makes This Trend Stand Out
- Accessible Shoes
- There is an opportunity for shoe companies to create more accessible shoe designs for individuals with disabilities to provide them with a sense of pride and independence.
- Wrap-around Zipper Systems
- The implementation of wrap-around zipper systems allows for more convenient, one-handed operation, creating design opportunities for other products.
- Inclusive Design
- Including individuals with disabilities in the design process can lead to increased innovation and more inclusive design concepts in many industries.
Sectors Adopting This
- Footwear
- The footwear industry can benefit from inclusive design by creating new shoe designs that cater to people with disabilities.
- Apparel
- Apparel companies can integrate wrap-around zipper systems into their designs to provide convenience for consumers with disabilities.
- Consumer Electronics
- Wrap-around zipper systems can be used in consumer electronics to create more convenient and user-friendly products for individuals with disabilities.
