September 9, 2019
Nike’s Zoom Soldier 8 Flyease sneakers are made exclusively for
people with disabilities. Para sportspeople from across India lauds Nike’s
efforts to promote inclusion and is also thrilled about a new sneaker
entering the market that can suit their needs and requirements.
Customised clothes, shoes and apparels are definitely going to be the next
big thing. When it comes to adaptive clothing, many local and international
brands are stepping up to create something new for people with disabilities.
International brand Nike is the latest one to join the
wagon. Reportedly, Nike has created a new sneakers for people
with disabilities, first-of-its-kind from an international brand. Para
sportspeople in India says that this is indeed a giant leap towards
inclusion. The new Zoom Soldier 8 Flyease shoes easily peels
open, making it easy for the user to wear it and take it off as well.
The idea kicked-off after one of Nike’s employee Jeff
Johnson suffered a stroke. He could not move the right half of his
body and his movements were also affected. Due to this, he just could not
wear his favourite sneakers. Nike CEO Mark Parker came to
know about this and asked his team to create something for Johnson and the
many others like him. Soon enough, Nike spotted 16 year old Matthew
Walzer with Cerebral palsy who had similar difficulties in wearing
shoes. The international brand gifted Walzer a new pair if their ‘Zoom
Soldier 8 Flyease’.
Sajesh Krishnan, a blade-runner, is a para sportsperson who
plays football and runs marathons. Though he has his pair of customised
shoes, Krishnan says that Nike’s initiative deserves a thumbs up.
I have been looking out for something like this since the past many years.
This is not the first time that Nike is introducing something exclusive for
the disabled community. They have already introduced shoes. But it is great
that such brands are coming forward with products for people with
disabilities. Recently, a lady had come up to me and asked if I know any
brands that sell customised shoes for her son who has a disability. There
are many people who would appreciate such sneakers-Sajesh Krishnan,
Blade-runner.
Nike has assured that they are also looking into other ways to customise
their sneakers according to requirements of their customers with
disabilities.
Brands like Nike might not make huge profits by creating such exclusive
sneakers for people from the disabled community. But this is indeed a great
way of making people feel important. Hopefully, more international brands
will follow Nike’s footsteps to create exclusive products for people with
disabilities.
“Most of the times, we end up compromising and buying something available in
the market because there are no customised shoes available. So a brand like
Nike doing such an initiative is definitely great. It is going to be
comfortable as well”, says Sakshi Chauhan, a para basketball
player.
