Within the early ‘90s, as I used to be gearing up for kindergarten commencement, there was one take a look at each child in my class wanted to move earlier than we might spend the summer season pool-side pretending to be mermaids: We needed to tie our footwear completely in entrance of our kindergarten instructor. I handed, a proud and completed scholar of the bunny-ear method, and spent the summer season operating round in my lace-up kicks. (Once I wasn’t enjoying mermaids, in fact.)
Quick ahead to right now, lengthy after I realized how one can tie my sneakers. Whereas I’m nonetheless totally able to tying my footwear, not everyone seems to be. Be it attempting to succeed in round a bulging child stomach or limitations from mobility restrictions, bending over and lacing up sneakers is not essentially straightforward or inclusive.
Enter Kizik sneakers, the best, hands-free sneaker you may ever slip your ft into. Due to their sensible no-tie development, you’ll be able to slip them on and off with out tying (and untying) the laces—and with out damaging the heel of the shoe. Plus, they’re fashionable, snug, have a breathable knit higher, and don’t require a clumsy, blister-inducing breaking-in interval. You possibly can’t ask rather more of a pair of sneakers.
How do Kizik sneakers work, precisely? Nelya Lobkova, DPM, a licensed surgical podiatrist and founding father of Step Up Footcare in New York Metropolis, explains it is all within the heel. The heels of those footwear are designed with a pliable plastic cage that squishes to permit your foot in, no pulling or lacing-up required. “The unique facet of the Kizik shoe is the cage expertise within the counter of the shoe that springs again into place as you slip within the foot,” she says. “The cage expertise makes use of a agency but versatile plastic to recapture the form of the shoe after slipping into it.”
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Think about it this fashion: Inside the heel is a cross-hatch sample of rubber strips. (Some Kizik designs have the cross-hatch on the exterior a part of the shoe, so you’ll be able to see it in motion!) As you step into the sneaker, the strips compress after which bounce again into place, by no means wrecking or damaging the heel. This, Dr. Lobkova says, enhances stability through the use of a supportive materials across the again of the heel bone, a profit most versatile slip-on footwear shouldn’t have.
Once I first slipped on—and sure, I imply slipped on—my pair of Kizik Lima sneakers ($109), I used to be actually impressed at how straightforward they have been to get on and off. No bending down? No tying the laces? No crushing the heel? No, no, and no. They felt completely snug instantly out of the field, which, for me, is spectacular. I’m vulnerable to struggling by means of a break-in interval with any pair of footwear, even when they’re made out of feathers. That wasn’t the case with Kiziks, so I instantly took them for a protracted, leisurely neighborhood stroll. I did the identical the following day, and once more the following.
Whereas I put on my Kizik sneakers for comfort and luxury, their hands-free design is extra significant for these with mobility considerations. Anybody with again ache or arthritis may gain advantage from Kizik’s design, as might pregnant girls. Those that work on their ft for lengthy hours, like nurses and cooks, would respect the cushiness of Kiziks, too. Plus, suppose how straightforward they might be to slide on and off within the safety line on the airport. No extra holding up the TSA line!
Dr. Lobkova additionally recommends Kiziks for kiddos for the security of their little ft. “I feel these are good footwear for teenagers as a result of they really have a heel counter whereas being a slip-on shoe,” she says. “They’re comfortable and match nicely, not like different loosely fitted slip-on footwear.”
My solely criticism, if I needed to give you one thing: IfIt your foot is formed with a excessive arch, beware. My arch is common in each manner, but upon first carrying my Kiziks, it felt like there wasn’t fairly sufficient assist. Whereas this hasn’t hindered my consolation degree whereas carrying them for on a regular basis actions, it could make me pause earlier than throwing them on for a run. Dr. Lobkova agrees. “I’d keep away from Kiziks for high-impact workout routines as a result of they don’t present sufficient midsole assist for actions corresponding to operating or leaping,” she says.
All-in-all although, Kizik sneakers are a brand new staple in my sneaker assortment. I’ll attain for them—with out bending down—day by day from right here on out, since they mix excessive model with utilitarian-like performance, a really perfect mixture for all issues fashion-related.
Store extra Kizik sneakers right here
Kizik, Athens
Obtainable sizes: 6-13, in half sizes, two widths, in 15 colours.
In case you’re on the lookout for a fantastic, all-around sneaker, look no additional than the Athens. It’s received the model’s signature hands-free cage that’s straightforward to step into, no bending or bunny ears required. Plus it’s received a shock-absorbing outsole that’s particularly forgiving on exhausting surfaces and difficult terrain, together with washable insoles and a breathable higher knit that’ll hold ft cool and dry.
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Kizik, Madrid Eco-Knit — $99.00
Obtainable sizes: 6-13, in half sizes, two widths, in 4 colours.
All the good stuff Kizik is thought for, solely made with a sustainable higher crafted from recycled plastic bottles. Except for being eco-friendly, that knit is breathable and comfortably, too, designed with a 4-way stretch that strikes as you do.
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Prague — $109.00
Obtainable sizes: 6-13, in half sizes, two widths, in seven colours.
For a extra informal sneaker, go for the Prague. The sturdy footwear function a extra informal look and swap the knit for a canvas higher, elevated with suede particulars. They go effortlessly with denims, leggings, maxi attire, and skirts, and really feel heavenly, too.
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Vegas — $127.00
Obtainable sizes: 6-13, in half sizes, two widths, in six colours.
Modern and classy, these leather-based kicks will degree up any outfit. Whether or not it’s operating errands, grabbing after-work drinks, or taking the canine for a stroll, these slip-on sneakers will put some spring into your step… actually.
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