Assistive technology and its benefits can be found across industries, including fashion. Known for being amongst the most beloved international brands, Nike has been increasing the integration of adaptive features into its wares. One such example, its line of EasyOn sneakers was specifically designed to assist people with disabilities with features that benefit everyone.
Targeted for consumers with a range of characteristics that would prevent them from easily putting on and tie their shoes, any of the EasyOn sneaker designs would be ideal for people who use a wheelchair or have any physical disability impacting the ability to reach their feet; additionally, the elderly would benefit from choosing them as their footwear of choice due to aging making bending down an uncomfortable challenge. Even just having back pain can make putting on one’s shoes a difficult task. As someone who has recovered from multiple knee surgeries—and a consumer who has owned multiple pairs of EasyOn styles—I can attest to the aid they provide.
The Nike EasyOn sneaker collection was specifically engineered to address the needs of individuals with limited mobility. Its line of inclusive footwear designs enable a much wider range of human diversity than most available and there are currently over 200 styles across target consumer groups. “Designed with insights from parents, kids, and the disability community…so you can enjoy sport at every ability.” The collection of innovative sneaker styles feature a unique pivoting heel design that enables completely hands-free entry, making them ideal for people with lower body disabilities. As Nike explains, they’re “great for people with limited mobility—or anyone who wants a quicker way to get going.” (source) The thoughtful design extends to the shoe’s removal process, as “the product makes wearing it effortless, including when it’s time to take them off.”(source) Even the cords can be manipulated with teeth or hooks, ensuring minimal hand usage is required. While designed with accessibility in mind, these sneakers appeal to anyone seeking a more convenient footwear solution.
From a design perspective, EasyOn sneakers exemplify multiple crucial aspects throughout Nike’s product development process: viability (the feasibility of production and implementation), usability (ease of operation), utility (practical functionality), accessibility (equal access for all users), and desirability (user appeal and satisfaction). This particular line of footwear eliminates the need for traditional lacing, instead featuring adjustable front bungee cords that make “putting on shoes simple for every athlete” with “fewer steps and a lot less work,” as noted by Nike. Many of the styles also feature a flexible back heel that allows users to simply step down to slide into the shoe, with an optional heel tag for pulling, demonstrating how the sneakers were “designed to get on quickly and easily for every person at every age and body type.” Following a functional solutions model of design, this thoughtful engineering creates a product that successfully balances practical functionality with universal design principles, appealing to a broad spectrum of users while solving real accessibility challenges.