Kizik design recently announced the launch of a new product line: a luxury handsfree sneaker designed for men. The shoe’s materials include 100% top grain leather and other premium textiles to ensure they are durable enough to provide enjoyment for many years. They come in three styles and multiple colors and textures for men and will be expanded to include a women’s line in the fall of 2018. The style in the picture above is the New York in Black.
Why are shoes a gadget?
The shoes feature a patented design that Kizik has dubbed F.A.S.T.® (Foot Activated Shoe Technology). The elements of F.A.S.T. include a wing at the top of the heel to let your foot in and out, a heel which collapses to let your foot in, a rigid tongue to ensure a hands free experience, and an adjustable width set by velcro on either side of the tongue. The shoes utilize a titanium wire to provide the spring necessary to allow the foot to enter hands free. The use of a wire spring provides all the energy to make this shoe work. As a result, the shoes fit automatically without using complex mechanics or electronics. The shoes are step-in and are different from sandals which are slip on. Yet, the titanium wire within the heel of every KIZIK shoe allows you to put your shoes on and take them off by neither handling them nor adjusting laces, buckles, snaps or straps. Furthermore, taking off your shoes is just as effortless as putting them on with their F.A.S.T. technology.
For more info
KIZIK shoes retail between $180-$190. They are available for purchase on KIZIK.com as well as in 17 locations nationwide, including select Dillard’s stores and Dillards.com. More information is available on their Facebook page here.
Gadgeteer Comment Policy - Please read before commenting
Good morning.
The shoes looks comfy and stylist. However my concern is about the sole that does not look like it has enough grip when walking in slippery conditions and/or wet surface. This will be a problem if you are out walking in rainy Portland, Seattle, or Manila to a name a few cities.
Also another concern is the titanium wire. Will it poke the wearer when the fabric or material surrounding the wire is no longer as good as new?
Those are all great questions. Unfortunately, we don’t have the answers because this was just a news post to bring awareness to the product.
I’ve worn these shoes in the rain and walked across slick brick pavers without the sensation that I would slip or fall. The hardness of the rubber seems just right for support and traction. The bigger concern is that the leather is not waterproofed, so I’d limit my exposure to wet weather as much as possible.
The wire in the heel isn’t noticeable when it is being worn. As far as assessing durability, I have worn these for about 75 miles and they don’t feel as if the heel is digging into my foot. I’ll keep this post updated as time goes on.
I need to know, please:
Do the Step-in-Handsfree shoes that were advertised in the Wall Street Journal 8-22, come in extra wide and in sizes 12 or 13?
How much do they cost.
Need a U.S. phone number.
If they do not fit, may they be returned at your charge?
Thank you. E.King E. KIng
Shoe sizes, cost and an email contact for Kiziks are available at the website. Widths are only in standard and sizes for sale are available based on inventory. The website is https://kizik.com/.