Trying Is Believing: A Closer Look at Kizik’s Hands-Free Technology

Kizik is a shoe you have to try on.

We talked with David Olson and Amanda Marshall from Kizik about what makes the brand’s hands-free step-in technology stand out — and why, despite having more than 200 patents behind it, most customers walk right past without realizing they’re looking at mobility-conscious footwear.

What Makes Kizik Different

“A hands-free, step-in shoe is something that I never even knew could exist. And now that it does, it’s clearly in a class by itself – it can’t be compared to all the others that are not hands-free, step-in shoes.”

— David Olson, Kizik

No untying, no retying, no bending down — just step in. Crunch that heel, and go about your day.

The tricky part, David admits, is that Kizik shoes don’t look any different from a normal shoe on the shelf. While the initial designs did have the caging on the outside to show customers how they worked, the team has been intentional in transforming newer iterations to blend in with the current trends in casual athletic footwear. There’s no longer a visual cue that says “this one’s hands-free” — which means the feature is easy for customers to miss entirely unless someone points it out or they try a pair on themselves.

The Shoes to Know Right Now

Two styles are top of mind for the team currently:

And for anyone who’s been on the fence about the brand’s snow boots, Amanda has a direct message:

“Trying is believing… nine times out of ten, they leave with that boot because trying is believing.”

— Amanda Marshall, Kizik

Kizik’s winter boot lineup includes men’s and women’s options, low and tall styles, and insulated lace-up versions. Like any new product, snow boots from Kizik haven’t proven themselves for the majority yet, but Amanda is confident that customers who try a pair will buy a pair.

Who It’s For

Kizik’s answer to “who’s your customer” is refreshingly simple: “people with feet.” Kids, women, men. They offer wide and extra-wide sizing, and nearly the whole line comes with adjustable, tie-able laces, so fit isn’t sacrificed for convenience.

While we love a shoe that fits the whole family, there’s a more specific group worth knowing about too. Kizik is a national sponsor of the Parkinson’s Foundation, and the hands-free design genuinely helps people managing motor challenges get shoes on independently.

Kizik might be the underdog in the casual athletic space, but they’re the MVP for mobility needs. We’re seeing positive feedback from our industry partners too, particularly from those who prefer to age gracefully without giving up style. David didn’t expect to be a convert himself — but he is one now.

What’s Coming

Looking ahead, Kizik is preparing to launch the Impulse XT this coming January — a workout, weightlifting, stability, and pickleball shoe built to fill a gap in the current lineup. Stay tuned for more exciting news from the Kizik team in the spring season.

The Bottom Line

If there’s one thing to take from this brand, it’s that the pitch really does come down to trying it on. As Amanda put it: customers often can’t believe a boot is actually hands-free until they step into it themselves — and that’s usually the moment they’re sold. The same mindset applies to all styles currently on offer. Trying is believing.

Why Buy Yours From Brown’s Shoe Fit Co.?

With 73 locally owned and operated locations across the Midwest, Brown’s Shoe Fit Co. has been a trusted name in footwear since 1911. Known for our personalized service and commitment to quality, Brown’s Shoe Fit is the go-to destination for comfortable, quality footwear for all ages. Each of our stores offers a footwear selection unique to the needs of our communities, with a knowledgeable staff trained to give every customer the best fit possible. To learn more about us, visit brownsshoefitco.com or find a store near you!