Nike has invested in and signed an intellectual-property licensing deal with Handsfree Labs, whose devices enable people to put shoes on without using their hands. The companies have not disclosed the terms of the investment. Strategically, however, remarks from Tom Clarke, Nike's president of innovation, have suggested a link with Nike's FlyEase, which also helps people put on shoes, and mentioned the goal of “removing barriers to play” for people with disabilities. In addition, HandsFree Labs owns Kizik, a brand of hands-free casual, dress and outdoor shoes. It plans to launch a brand of athleisure footwear, called Pilar, early next year.

Topics