Nike Accused Of 'Using Disability' To Hype New Hands-Free Sneaker

Cooper Lewis wears his Nike FlyEase sneakers, which are designed to be quick and easy to get into, every day. "They're really the only pair that I have that actually fit and stay on my feet," says the 31-year-old from Akron, Ohio, who is recovering from a stroke and has limited mobility. There are many slip-on shoes on the market, but the FlyEase line is designed with both fashion and the needs of people with disabilities in mind. So Lewis was really looking forward to the latest in the product line, the GO FlyEase, Nike's first completely hands-free shoe. Rather than using straps or laces, it simply hinges open and closed, so the wearer just needs to slip their foot in and push down. The shoe is scheduled for a limited release on April 30. Nike refused to say how many will be made available. Lewis and his husband, Gabriel Riazi, are concerned that Nike's hype around the shoe, combined with its marketing to people without disabilities, will make it impossible for them to get hold of a