Nike creates shoe with help of teen who has CP that is easy to put on and remove.
Probably the most famous name in shoe making, Nike has recently unveiled a new design that is ideal for people who have physical limitations that prevent them from tying their shoe laces independently.
The inspiration and drive for the LeBron Soldier 8 Flyease came from high school pupil Matthew Waltzer who has Cerebral Palsy. In a letter he wrote to Nike, Matthew explained:
“My dream is to go to the college of my choice without having to worry about someone coming to tie my shoes every day. I've worn Nike basketball shoes all my life. I can only wear this type of shoe, because I need ankle support to walk. At 16 years old, I am able to completely dress myself, but my parents still have to tie my shoes. As a teenager who is striving to become totally self-sufficient, I find this extremely frustrating and, at times, embarrassing.”
Matthew wasn’t expecting much besides maybe a polite reply thanking him for his letter. The response however was enormous and placed him at the heart of a team determined to boost the independence of Matthew and people who face similar barriers to their independence.
From that point on Nike designer Tobie Hatfield made it his mission to come up with a shoe that would help Matthew achieve the independence all teenagers want and need.
The resulting shoe, known as the ‘Zoom Soldier 8 FLYEASE’ has no laces, and instead is opened and closed with a zip that runs round the back of the heel and is fastened with Velcro. It can be put on and taken off using just one hand and with very limited physical effort.
Matthew was thrilled with the design and described the feeling at the time of being able - for the first time in his life - to put shoes on with any help.
“When I put the shoes on every morning, they give the greatest sense of independence and accomplishment I have ever felt in my life.”
People who have Cerebral Palsy, Parkinson’s disease or a stroke are just some of the people who could benefit from this shoe. You can watch the following video and see how the shoe works in practice.
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Helen Donaldson on
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The shoe looks excellent. However, in your piece did you have to use the term "stroke victim"? It's a long time since I was first aware of that kind of language being discouraged.
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Permalink Reply by Paul Richoux on
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Hi Helen,
Fair point. I have altered the article to use hopefully more acceptable terminology.
Sorry for any offence cause.
Paul
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