Kizik Design is making moves in smart footwear—and its latest innovation meets consumer demands for a more customized, functional and comfortable footwear.
The Utah-based company announced the debut of its patented hand’s free sneakers for men—smart shoes that self-lace and conform to the shape of consumers’ feet. Founded by Michael Pratt, former chief executive officer of Ogio International, a travel gear company, the shoes are set to take footwear to the next level with ease and optimal comfort.
“Unlike a slip-on, Kizik shoes are a step-in, automatic sneaker that give you a custom fit without using your hands,” said Pat Hogan, Kizik’s president. “At Kizik, we believe there is no longer a need for shoelaces in modern day footwear and when you step into a Kizik shoe, you are stepping into the future. Once you put these on your feet, you’ll realize they are truly life changing.”
Foot Activated Shoe Technology (F.A.S.T.)—a virtually invisible technology—provides Kizik shoes with their advanced capabilities that conform to the wearer’s foot without buckles, snaps or laces. Protected by international and U.S. patents, Kizik shoes have an internal sprint wire enables easy step-in entry and adjusts to a personalized fit.
[Read more about smart footwear: Reebok Collaborates with Designers to Advance Flexweave Footwear Technology]
Features of F.A.S.T. include a proprietary internal wing shape to easily put on the shoes, titanium wire for rebound flexibility, a retractable heel that maintains its shape, tongue reinforcement for hand’s free functionality, an instep adjustment to create a more customized fit for wide or narrow feet and an arc design for optimal durability.
The Kizik shoes are available in two styles—Boston and New York—and each shoe is versatile enough to wear with professional or casual apparel. The shoes are made with premium materials, including 100 percent top grain leather, and are produced with a proprietary manufacturing process for extended use. The shoes retail from $180 to $190 and are available to purchase on Kizik’s website and in 17 select retailers nationwide, including Dillard’s. Kizik aims to extend its style selection this Spring and will also introduce a women’s collection for Fall.
“The technology in today’s world is forward-thinking, so why shouldn’t our shoes be keeping up?” Hogan added. “In addition to the ample benefits of a hand’s free shoe, Kizik shoes prioritize fashion first, making sure our designs are on-trend and challenging the status quo.”