Nike Basketball introduces their latest Nike LeBron Soldier 8 FlyEase silhouette, an easy-entry footwear system designed by Tobie Hatfield to help athletes of all abilities and ages perform better.

Innovation and inspiration at Nike often start with the simple act of listening to the voice of the athlete. As expressed within its mission statement, the company believes: If you have a body, you’re an athlete, which means insights may come from professionals, but they also arrive from unexpected places.

Over the years, renowned Nike designer Tobie Hatfield has been involved in a number of projects that address these insights. One project that was on his radar for over three years was an entry-and-closure system for athletes who have trouble getting in and out of shoes, and securing them. While developing samples for a few of these individuals, Hatfield remained determined that the system be scalable for mass production. Enter inspiration Matthew Walzer.

FLYEASE introduces a wrap-around zipper solution that opens the back of the shoe near the heel-counter, making it easier to slide the foot in and out. At the same time, the system provides sufficient lockdown and eliminates the need to tie traditional laces.

In late July, Nike is sending the Nike Zoom Soldier 8 FlyEase to two U.S. basketball teams participating in the 2015 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Los Angeles, which run from July 25 to August 2.

The Nike LeBron Soldier 8 FlyEase will be available July 16 in limited quantities on Nike.com.

Source: Nike, Inc.