The answer to our title is yes, and it comes from the American sportswear giant Nike. The brand presented the new Nike Go FlyEase sneaker. A sneaker’s unprecedented model with a design never seen before. Easy on, easy off is the concept behind Nike’s construction and combines design, innovation, and engineering in a new style of sneaker. This results in creating a shoe without laces and which does not require the use of hands to be put on or taken off the foot.
But let’s analyze in detail all the features that make this sneaker incredibly innovative.
The first feature that catches the eye is the one concerning the lacing system, which has been specially removed for the occasion. “We came to live in a wireless world, so implementing the use of laces in a shoe like this was obsolete,” explained Sarah Reinertsen, member of the Nike FlyEase Innovation Team. Without laces, the shoe obviously cannot be unfastened nor adjusted when worn. The buyer can benefit from a quick fit like that of a slipper. The readiness for use is ensured by a snap system that transforms the shoe from “Ready Position” to “Set Position”, once worn.
The sneaker also has a continuous insole that ensures extreme comfort and which takes the name of “Diving Board”. It is she who accompanies the foot while wearing the shoe. The way the GO FlyEase opens and closes is thanks to a hinge that allows the shoe to remain stable. Another mechanical element that contributes to the perfect functioning of this technology is the Tensioner Band. Located along with the midsole and made with the same durable rubberized plywood that forms the outsole. Last but not least, the shoe also boasts a particular heel counter, more protruding than usual. This allows you to remove it very quickly, obviously without using your hands.
The Nike Go FlyEase was born from a careful study on athletes and then adapted to the general public. “I usually take a long time to put my shoes on,” commented for Nike Bebe Vio, Italian fencing champion. “With Nike Go flyease, I just have to put my feet in and jump on it. Shoes are a new technology not only for adaptive athletes but for everyone’s real-life ».
Nike Go Flyease is available by invitation to select Nike members on February 15. A larger release for all is expected by the end of the year.
