American giant Nike continues to push the boundaries of shoe technology by unveiling a new truly « hands-free » model, the Go FlyEase.
This shoe is designed to fit everyone’s capabilities and is intended for both sports and lifestyle use. Using the latest advancements in FlyEase technology, it slips on and off without hands and without bending down.
The innovation is based on the so-called bi-stable hinge combined with the midsole tensioner (wide elastic) : the sneaker consists of 2 sections connected by this hinge and held together by the tensioner. This system allows the shoe to take 2 stable and secure positions : the first vertical, in which the insole is inclined at about 30° to create a consequent opening and facilitate the putting on of the foot. The second is the folded, horizontal position, where the insole rests on the outer layer at the heel. The shoe then resumes a classic look, which fits perfectly to the ground and allows you to walk or play sports.
Although this system seems mechanically complicated, it’s inspired by a very simple action that we all do : slip our feet, without the help of our hands, into slippers (or sometimes slightly old shoes) and remove the shoes by pressing the tip of one foot on the heel of the other. Nike has added a « kickstand » on the back base of the heel to help users mimic this action.
« This is one of the most universal shoes ever designed, » said Sarah Reinersten, Nike design manager and U.S. Paralympic triathlete. « It’s a solution for so many people. It’s for everyone. From women going through pregnancy, to maybe an athlete with no hands, to a busy mom, to, I don’t know, even a lazy husband who wants to walk the dog. »
In terms of color palette, the first iteration presented is dressed in pastel pink and blue, as well as yellow with a semi-transparent white veil. This design is completed by a fluorescent yellow inner lining and heel kickstand, while the tensioner, hinge and midsole appear in white. A black, red and fluorescent yellow outsole finalizes the look.
The Nike Go FlyEase will be released on February 15, 2021, on nike.com exclusively for Nike members, before being released more widely in the spring. The price is set at 120€.
