Hands-free Shoes Courtesy of Nike- The Aging in Place Connection

Go Flyease by Nike
image used under fair use

Nike has announced innovative hands-free shoes called Go Flyease. The CNN article,  "Nike Made a Hands-free Shoe and You Have to See it to Believe it," describes the new shoe:

"[I]t's Nike's first pair of lace-less sneakers that can easily be put on and taken off without using your hands. The casual shoe arrives at a time when people are touching fewer things during the pandemic and a revival of comfier counterparts that take minimal effort to take on and off...."  

The description and the video demo suggest that  donning the shoes is easy and comfortable.  These are not just traditional slip-ons, like slippers, moccasins, or crocs, which often require hands to either put on or adjust, and often fit quite loosely.  The shoe actually snaps in place around the foot when stepping into the shoe.  The article explains that:

"[t]he Go Flyease has unique features, including a tension band that secures the shoe in place of laces. Putting them on involves just stepping into the shoe so that it will snap into place. Taking them off is done by stepping on the heel." 

Aside from pandemic justification, the shoes make aging in place easier, permitting anyone to don or shed shoes without the assistance of another, and without the danger that often accompanies too loose fitting shoes, especially for folks with impaired sensitivity in their extremities. Reduced flexibility, injury, joint pain; all of these conditions sometimes make putting on and tying shoes difficult.  No longer will seniors have to accept the trade-off of a trip hazard for comfort, convenience and ease.  Congratulations Nike!  

The shoe is not yet available for order, but when it is available, you can order a pair here.