The less accessible aspects of the latest in accessible footwear

Gabriel Riazi (Left) and Cooper Riazi (Right), a couple from Akron, Ohio. Photo by: Liam Mauger 

 

A newly revealed pair of accessible Nike shoes raise some questions about just how accessible they really are. 

 

The new Nike Go FlyEase model, releasing March 19, is designed to easily snap on and off the wearer’s foot hands free.  

 

This isn’t the first FlyEase model Nike has produced, and there are others with similar easy-access technology. However the Go FlyEase is the first silhouette created exclusively for the FlyEase line. 

 

The shoes are currently unreleased, except for a members-only drop on the Nike SNKRS app in February. However, models have appeared on websites like StockX, where pairs are already selling for over $500 USD.  

 

These factors, and the fact that Nike drops can sell out in seconds, can be concerning to those who wish to obtain the pair for medical purposes. 

 

Cooper and Gabriel Riazi are a couple from Akron, Ohio, who are very interested in the Go FlyEase. Gabriel says that there are many different health factors that these shoes could assist with, and that people with those factors should get access first.  

 

“Cooper said his grandma could use them, she’s 92 and she can’t tie shoes, currently,” says Riazi. “Cooper has been through a lot medically in the last year and has lost some movement. It would really change the whole morning routine every day… just help those who need it get access to it… just make more shoes with this technology.” 

 

Cooper has had physical issues for years, and says that these shoes could be revolutionary, but that Nike is limiting them with how they are released. 

 

“It could help millions of people,” says Riazi. “It changes everything. But unfortunately, I’m unable to be guaranteed a pair, and millions of people are guaranteed not to get a pair because people who don’t medically need them are getting first dibs.” 

 

The Riazis said that they had contacted Nike previously about this topic, and that the spokesperson they talked to had been receiving similar concerned calls before.  

 

They suggested that Nike should provide a channel for those who need the Go FlyEase medically, so that those who need the shoes can get them on their feet first.