Nike launched the first pair of slip-on sneakers without laces, hoping to maintain the same development momentum as competitors such as Crocs and Vans during the pandemic, because more and more consumers are beginning to pay attention to comfort and lightness. Footwear.The “Go FlyEase” shoes sold in the market can be worn without having to go up and down. The company said that this part of the inspiration comes from Asian culture. In Asia, it is customary to take off your shoes before entering the home. This is also the first appearance when people are more aware not to touch dirty surfaces (such as shoe soles).
Nike FlyEase innovation manager Sarah Reinertsen said in an interview: “These shoes really reflect our current situation in the Covid era.” “Actually, this is an innovation that has been brewing in our innovative kitchen for a while. However, It will only appear at the right time, when we need it more than ever.” Go FlyEase is part of the Nike FlyEase line of running, football and basketball sneakers. It is said that these sneakers are easier to wear and more suitable for feet. Nike has been working on FlyEase innovations for five years, including shoes with side zippers and a pair of shoes with a drawstring on the back to secure the shoes tightly to the heel. Renerson said: “Regarding Nike’s decision not to use shoelaces, we have been using shoelaces for a long time.” “But… many times [people] try to get around these shoelaces, they try to fix them with one foot. Shoe and slide it out. Shoe straps are a bit troublesome. We want to make it easier for everyone to wear shoes.”
However, if you must remember, they don’t look like a pair of rubber crocodiles. For slip-on shoes, Nike’s version is very unique and complex. When not wearing, Go FlyEase is in the open position. The independent foot bed platform separated from the sole can be moved up and down through a hinge built into the bottom. The strap is wrapped around the top of the shoe. After the foot enters the foot, the buckle is in place because there is no shoelace to help tighten the shoelace. For many consumers, the biggest problem with slip-on shoes is usually to make them fit firmly to their feet. There is also a “support frame” on the heel to help take off the shoes. Renerson said that many people have already stepped on the back of their shoes intuitively to take off their shoes.
According to Reinertsen, Nike’s latest shoes are not for endurance sports, but for leisure sports (such as walking). She said that Nike plans to design and manufacture more pull-on sneakers based on Go FlyEase. These supplements can not only help Nike position itself as a sports brand, but also position it as a daily sports brand. From February 15th, this new pair of sneakers will be available for Nike members to choose from its largest market. The retail price is US$120. Subsequently, the sales range of this pair of shoes will be more extensive.
The phased release allows Nike’s most loyal customers to use it for the first time and hope that more people will join its free membership program, which also provides fitness classes and podcasts. By establishing membership, Nike can learn more about its customers and target customers through products that are more suitable for its active lifestyle. At present, comfort is the top priority for consumers. Many people are still working at home, and they are looking for a shoe that is convenient for wearing shoes or running errands at home. Many people also spend more time outdoors and prioritize physical exercise, such as walking nearby.
In recent months, brands that sell non-slip shoes (such as Crocs, Sports Propulsion Laboratory, Allbirds, and VF Corp.’s Vans) have become more and more popular. Shoppers are increasingly avoiding high heels and Oxford shoes and spending money on practical clothing and footwear. Matt Powell, a senior sports industry analyst at NPD Group, a research institute in New York, said: “Everyone is looking for comfort… an easy thing…” “Obviously, sports shoes outperform fashion… …In the past year, sports slides have also done very well.”
By 2020, sales of American sports shoes will drop by 2% year-on-year. Powell said that despite the decline, it was still better than overall sports shoe sales, which fell by 6%.
Crocs was once avoided by the fashion industry, but it has always been an incredible beneficiary of the comfort trend. In the third quarter, Crocs’ revenue increased by 16% over the same period last year, reaching a record US$362 million. In January, Crocs raised its outlook for the holiday quarter and said it expects sales growth in 2021 to accelerate by 25%. Its share price has increased by more than 78% from a year ago, bringing its market value to $4.73 billion.
Although Nike is also seen as a winner during the pandemic, it is always looking for new areas of growth. In the second fiscal quarter ended November 30, Nike’s revenue increased 9% year-on-year to $11.24 billion.
NPD Group estimates that this year’s sports shoes and sportswear market sales will grow in low single digits, which will be higher than 2020 levels, but still lower than 2019. Powell expects running and hiking to drive sales, while comfort will remain a key theme.