Kizik hands-free shoes

Kizik is a pioneering footwear brand dedicated to the 'hands-free' shoe market, headquartered in Utah, USA. The brand's origin dates back to 2009 when founder Mike Pratt initiated an extensive R&D project involving design engineers and mathematicians to solve the daily frustration of putting on shoes. Officially launched in 2017, the brand is known for its patented heel technology that allows the shoe to compress and spring back into place, enabling wearers to step in without bending over or using their hands.

While the brand's engineering and design are centered in the United States, manufacturing is carried out through a global supply chain, typically involving production facilities in Asia (such as Vietnam and China) common to the athletic footwear industry. In 2019, the brand gained significant industry validation when Nike acquired a minority stake in the company and entered into a licensing agreement to utilize Kizik’s patented hands-free technology in their own product lines like the Nike FlyEase series.

Today, Kizik continues to expand its reach globally, including significant expansion into markets like Japan through partnerships with local distributors. It remains a tech-forward leader in the accessibility space, managing over 200 patents that protect its unique mechanical entry systems.