Kizik states that its footwear lineup is built exclusively around HandsFree Labs technology, which is supported by more than 200 patents.1

Early development

The origins of Kizik predate the brand itself. Founder Mike Pratt began developing the concept of a shoe that could be put on without using hands in 2009. The fundamental engineering challenge involved creating a heel that could temporarily collapse to allow the foot to enter and then automatically return to its original position.1

Pratt subsequently developed and patented versions of the technology. The first patents associated with the concept were filed in 2014, prior to the launch of the Kizik brand.2

This technology eventually became the foundation of HandsFree Labs, which serves as the intellectual property and technology organisation behind Kizik. Industry reporting distinguishes the two entities: HandsFree Labs owns and licenses the technology, while Kizik functions as the consumer-facing footwear brand.2

Founding of Kizik

Kizik was established in 2017, introducing hands-free footwear as a distinct consumer category. The company aimed to create footwear that retained the fit and appearance of a conventional shoe while eliminating the need for manual manipulation.1

Products were initially developed in Alpine, Utah, before the company became associated with the broader Salt Lake City and Utah footwear ecosystem.1

The defining feature of Kizik is its HandsFree Labs® technology. Unlike conventional slip-on shoes where the wearer typically pulls the heel over the foot, Kizik’s construction allows the heel area to deform temporarily.

The entry process functions as follows:

1. The wearer places their foot into the opening.
2. The heel presses against the rear portion of the shoe.
3. The internal heel mechanism compresses.
4. The heel provides sufficient room for the foot to enter.
5. Once inside, the mechanism springs back.
6. The heel settles around the foot to hold it in place.

The shoe is engineered to collapse upon entry and recover once the foot is inside. Kizik describes this experience with the phrase “Step in. Lock in. Go.”1 This distinguishes Kizik from ordinary slip-ons by providing convenience without compromising the secured fit of traditional footwear.

Cage® technology

One of Kizik’s most prominent implementations is its Cage® technology. This system uses a flexible thermoplastic structure around the heel, described as a honeycomb-like cage that compresses under pressure and returns to its original shape.3

This technology became closely associated with the Athens model, introduced in 2021.

Flex Arc™

In 2024, Kizik introduced External Flex Arc™ technology, initially featured in models such as the London and the outdoor-oriented Boulder and Sierra. Rather than relying solely on an internal heel structure, the external arc flexes against the midsole during entry and returns to its original position afterwards.1

The company has also developed other proprietary constructions, reflecting a strategy to adapt hands-free technology to various footwear types beyond casual sneakers.4

Since its initial launch, Kizik’s product portfolio has expanded substantially. Key milestones include:

• 2017: Kizik launches as a hands-free footwear brand.
• 2019: Nike begins licensing HandsFree Labs hands-free footwear technology.
• 2020: Introduction of the Madrid, an early major casual model.
• 2021: Launch of the Athens featuring Cage® technology.
• 2022: Lineup expansion with models including the Lima, Vegas, and Prague.
• 2023: Introduction of the Juno, described as the first hands-free snow boot.
• 2024: Introduction of External Flex Arc™ technology and expansion into outdoor and travel footwear.
• 2025: Launch of Squeeze It, a hands-free toddler shoe designed for easy sliding on.

This progression demonstrates Kizik’s effort to evolve hands-free entry from a single sneaker feature into a comprehensive footwear platform.

A significant development in Kizik’s history is its relationship with Nike. In 2019, Nike entered into a technology licensing arrangement involving HandsFree Labs’ technology.1

Independent reporting described this partnership as a major validation of the technology. The relationship is notable because Nike operates at a vastly larger scale than Kizik, demonstrating that HandsFree Labs’ technology has applications beyond Kizik’s own product line.2

While Kizik initially relied heavily on online sales and wholesale distribution, it has since established a physical retail presence. Its first retail store opened in 2023 at Fashion Place in Utah. Forbes reported that the company expanded its physical retail strategy alongside growing consumer awareness and sales.5

Distribution has also grown through third-party retailers. HandsFree Labs states that its technology is available through more than 100 retailers, including Nordstrom, Zappos, and DSW.

Although initially known primarily for casual sneakers, Kizik has diversified into several categories:

• Casual sneakers
• Running and active footwear
• Travel-oriented footwear
• Outdoor footwear
• Boots
• Snow boots
• Children’s footwear
• Toddler shoes

This diversification supports Kizik’s strategic goal of establishing hands-free footwear as a distinct category rather than being perceived solely as a convenient sneaker brand.1

Accessibility is integral to Kizik’s positioning. The hands-free construction reduces the need to bend over, manipulate laces, or use hands when putting on shoes. Kizik explicitly markets to people of varying abilities under the philosophy “Motion for All.”

For some consumers, this technology makes routine activities easier and less physically demanding. However, Kizik targets the general population rather than positioning itself exclusively as an accessibility product, emphasising convenience, travel, comfort, style, and everyday use alongside accessibility.

Kizik’s brand identity centres on the premise that a shoe should be as easy to put on as it is to wear. Traditional footwear often requires opening the shoe, pulling the heel, adjusting laces, and bending down; Kizik seeks to remove this friction.

Marketing focuses heavily on the “aha moment” experienced when a user steps into a Kizik for the first time and feels the heel automatically accommodate their foot.1 The broader positioning combines convenience, comfort, technology, style, and accessibility. Rather than competing solely with inexpensive slip-ons, Kizik positions hands-free construction as premium footwear technology.

Kizik utilises multiple distribution channels:

• Direct-to-consumer e-commerce
• Company-operated retail
• Wholesale and retail partnerships
• Technology licensing through HandsFree Labs

The distinction between Kizik and HandsFree Labs is critical. Kizik is the consumer-facing brand, while HandsFree Labs develops and controls the broader technology platform, licensing it to other footwear companies.2 Consequently, the company’s intellectual property strategy extends beyond the Kizik label.

Mike Pratt is the founder of Kizik and is identified by HandsFree Labs as its Founder and Chairman. Current leadership at HandsFree Labs includes CEO Gareth Hosford, alongside executives overseeing intellectual property, marketing, product, design, innovation, technology, finance, operations, and international business.

Kizik and HandsFree Labs operate as closely connected components of a larger footwear-technology enterprise.

Intellectual property represents a primary competitive advantage for the Kizik and HandsFree Labs business. The company states that HandsFree Labs holds more than 200 patents covering hands-free footwear technology and related innovations.1

This portfolio protects various mechanisms and approaches to hands-free footwear rather than a single shoe design. This reflects Mike Pratt’s stated ambition to develop and protect multiple methods of hands-free entry rather than relying on one specific mechanism.4

The distinction between Kizik and other footwear types can be summarised as follows:

The central innovation lies in the mechanical behaviour of the heel rather than merely the elimination of laces.

Kizik emerged as the footwear industry increasingly emphasised convenience, comfort, direct-to-consumer shopping, and technology-enabled design. The company experienced significant growth during its early expansion, with Forbes reporting rapid year-over-year growth in 2023 alongside physical retail expansion.5

The partnership with Nike and the expanding licensing strategy have given the underlying HandsFree Labs technology significance beyond the Kizik brand itself.2

Kizik’s philosophy centres on removing friction from everyday movement. The company posits that putting on shoes is a repetitive inconvenience; by eliminating the need to bend down or use hands, Kizik aims to make this daily action nearly automatic.

Branding revolves around concepts such as hands-free living, freedom of movement, convenience, comfort, accessibility, everyday adventure, and technology hidden within conventional-looking footwear. The company intentionally designs its technology to be visually unobtrusive, ensuring the shoe resembles a standard modern sneaker while functioning differently during entry.4

Kizik’s broader contribution to the industry is its attempt to establish hands-free footwear as a distinct product category. Historically, footwear innovation has focused on cushioning, materials, athletic performance, energy return, durability, or aesthetics. Kizik instead focuses on the act of putting the shoe on.

This creates a unique value proposition where innovation begins before the first step is taken. This concept applies to everyday convenience, travel, and accessibility, while presenting footwear companies with new mechanical design challenges.

• 2009: Mike Pratt begins developing hands-free footwear concepts.
• 2014: Early patents are filed.
• 2017: Kizik launches as a consumer footwear brand.
• 2019: Nike begins licensing HandsFree Labs’ technology.1
• 2020: Madrid model launches.
• 2021: Athens launches with Cage® technology and becomes a major model.
• 2022: Lima, Vegas, and Prague expand the product portfolio.
• 2023: Juno launches as a hands-free snow boot; first retail store opens.1
• 2024: External Flex Arc™ technology is introduced.
• 2025: Squeeze It™ extends technology into toddler footwear.

1. About Kizik | The Hands-Free Shoe Company
2. Kizik by HandsFree Labs is creating the future of footwear – Utah Business
3. Innovation
4. Our Story
5. Why Kizik, A Hands-Free Footwear Brand, Has Expanded Into Retail