Reebok is teaming up with Zappos to launch a new footwear line focused on accessibility. The collection, Fit to Fit, includes two sneakers designed specifically for people with disabilities to take on and off with ease.
The Nanoflex Parafit TR, which Zappos debuted in the rollout of its partnership with the Special Olympics USA Games, and the Club MEMT Parafit were created in collaboration with Zappos Adaptive, a division of the company centered around accessible clothing, shoes, and accessories.
“We are honored to partner with the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games as well as collaborate with our brands on products and designs to better fit each athlete’s needs,” said Dana Zumbo, Business Development Manager at Zappos Adaptive. “Our mission at Zappos Adaptive is to provide functional and fashionable products to make life easier for all, and we can’t wait to bring this to life in an in-person activation at the USA Games.”
Priced at $90, the Nanoflex Parafit features a pull tab at the heel and an upper side zipper. The Club MEMT Parafit, which retails for $65, also includes a side zipper and comes in an extra wide 4E fit. Both models are low-cut for enhanced ankle mobility and have laces for initial fit adjustments, rubber outsoles to improve traction, and removable padded sock liners to accommodate orthotics.
Fit to Fit is not the first accessible footwear line to emerge in the last few years. In 2021, Nike launched its hands-free collection of Go FlyEase sneakers designed with a bistable hinge to slip on and off without the use of zippers or laces. The shoes were released as a limited edition, however, and much of the inventory was purchased and marked up by online resellers before people with disabilities were able to order them, according to The Verge.
It remains to be seen how Reebok and Zappos will handle demand issues if Fit to Fit’s popularity takes off.