Shoes Reflecting the Voices of People with Disabilities: What Are "Go FlyEase®" That Can Be Worn Without Using Hands?

Just as the saying "Fashion starts from the feet" goes, being fashionable down to your shoes can make fashion even more enjoyable. If possible, you'd want to be stylish with your shoes as well.

However, there are people with disabilities who, due to various circumstances, cannot enjoy fashion through their shoes.

Did you know that Nike®︎, a world-renowned brand, offers shoes that can be worn without using your hands?

This time, we will delve into "Go FlyEase®︎," which allows people with disabilities to enjoy fashion.

1. Voices of People with Disabilities Who Find Tying Shoelaces Difficult

Among those who find it difficult to tie shoelaces are people with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD). This disorder involves issues with brain function development, making it hard to move the body, and not only tying shoelaces but also using chopsticks, forks, and spoons effectively.

The prevalence of Developmental Coordination Disorder is said to be about 5% to 8% as of 2023. This is about the same frequency as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), making it not a rare disorder.

Additionally, there are those with paralysis or limb disabilities who find it difficult to tie laces. Many people feel a sense of difficulty in life due to such experiences.

Reference: Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) (1) There is a reason for being 'clumsy' - A developmental disorder that is visible but hard to understand｜NHK

2. Enjoying Both Shoe Fashion and Style

When it comes to shoes for people with disabilities, there are options like nursing shoes or rehabilitation shoes, but their designs are often similar, and the choices are limited compared to shoes worn by able-bodied individuals.

As detailed later, Nike®'s "Go FlyEase®" is a shoe that instantly makes you forget such concerns. It boasts high fashionability as a shoe, is easy to wear without using your hands, and requires only a small amount of effort to put on.

Columnist Kotari, who became bedridden and required full-time care after a subarachnoid hemorrhage, could only wear nursing shoes due to paralysis and edema. However, upon wearing these shoes, they were moved and praised them as "completely changing the way shoes are put on and taken off" and "like magic."

This demonstrates that Go FlyEase® is an easy-to-wear shoe even for those with severe disabilities.

Reference: Even with paralysis, you can be stylish with shoes! - Trying on shoes from NIKE that can be worn without using hands｜Minna no Kaigo

3. What is Nike®︎'s Go FlyEase®︎ Developed Based on Feedback from People with Disabilities?

Let's take a closer look at Nike®︎'s Go FlyEase, which has been praised by people with disabilities as "allowing them to be stylish with shoes even with paralysis."

3-1. Features of Nike®︎ Go FlyEase®︎

The standout features of Nike®︎ Go FlyEase®︎ are its comfort in being worn without using hands and its fashionability.

Another notable feature is its design, which appears to be bent at an obtuse angle in the middle. Thanks to the tensioner band and bi-stable hinge in this area, the shoe can maintain an open shape.

By inserting your foot into the diving board (sole area), it automatically locks, allowing you to wear the shoes without using your hands. Additionally, you can easily take them off by stepping on the heel's kickstand with the opposite foot.

Reference: Go FlyEase｜NIKE

3-2. Convenience and Reputation of Nike®︎ Go FlyEase®︎

Nike®︎'s Go FlyEase®︎ is highly convenient and has gained support from a wide range of users.

For instance, on the YouTube channel "A Channel to Learn About Prosthetics and Orthotics Just by Listening," there is a video testing whether Go FlyEase®︎ can be worn with orthotics.

In the video, it can be seen that the shoes are worn smoothly without any issues, and they can be taken off without using much foot strength. The video clearly shows that Go FlyEase is an easy-to-wear shoe.

It was suggested to purchase the shoes 1cm to 2cm larger than your actual foot size, so if you're considering buying them, be sure to watch the video.

3-3. Popular Among Busy Parents and Pregnant Women

On social media, Go FlyEase®︎ is recommended for parents and pregnant women. During parenting or pregnancy, there are various challenges in daily life, such as:

・Putting on and taking off shoes when both hands are occupied with children or luggage
・Putting on and taking off shoes when bending over is difficult during pregnancy

Once you experience the comfort of Go FlyEase®︎ during these stressful times, you might not want to go back to other shoes.

3-4. Also Praised by Seniors for Ease of Use

Go FlyEase®︎ is also praised by seniors for being easy to wear.

There are comments like "After gifting Go FlyEase®︎ to my mother who couldn't bend over due to a lumbar compression fracture, she was able to put them on and take them off while standing without a shoehorn."

This shows that Go FlyEase®︎ is a dream shoe that caters to a wide range of users and needs.

Not only does it offer functionality, but it also boasts many stylish designs, making it a unique shoe that combines universal design with fashion.

Reference: NIKE Sneakers Popular Among Pregnant Women! Hit Products Born from Solving Disabilities' Challenges｜Diamond Online

4. In Conclusion

When I first saw Go FlyEase®︎, I immediately thought, "Oh, I want to try them on."

Having heard firsthand from people who could only wear nursing shoes and said, "I don't want to wear shoes like this," I felt that the introduction of Go FlyEase®︎ was truly groundbreaking.

Not just limited to Go FlyEase®︎, I hope for a world where everyone, regardless of disability, can enjoy fashion and have choices.