Reebok, a division of Adidas, has introduced a line of adaptive trainers for people with limited mobility. The sneakers, called Fit to Fit, can be easily put on and taken off.
The shoes were created in partnership with Zappos’ adaptive division, and the two companies aim to create shoes that are inclusive in terms of performance and lifestyle. They interviewed people with mobility issues as part of the product development process.
“We created the Reebok Fit to Fit adaptive footwear line to support Reebok’s mission to inspire human movement for all people,” said Dan Buonomo, product manager at Reebok, in an interview with Dezeen.
“The goal of the collection is to provide functional products for everyone, while still staying true to Reebok’s iconic design heritage.
Key to the collection is the lack of buttons and buckles, which can be a challenge for people with mobility issues. The side zippers ensure the shoe fits well, but the laces are retained so the shoe retains the style and look of a shoe made for the typical consumer. Once tied for a good fit, there is no need to retie the laces each time they are worn.
The removable insole accommodates prosthetics and a low-cut design that aids in mobility. The Reebok Nanoflext TR-based sneaker has a pull tab at the heel to make it easier for people who use wheelchairs to remove the shoe from the back.
Another shoe, the Club MEMT Parafit, based on the tennis shoe of the same name, has a removable insole and is sized wider to fit the prosthesis.
Initially marketed in pairs, Reebok and Zappos plan to sell a single shoe for people with only one foot.
