Reebok unveils first adaptive trainers designed for people with disabilities

Reebok’s sportswear brand has launched Fit to Fit, an adaptive collection of trainers that are easy to put on and take off as part of its move to a more accessible footwear range.

This range includes the Nanoflex Parafit TR as well as the Club MEMT Parafit. It was created with adaptive features to allow people with limited mobility to dress more quickly and easily, by removing buttons and buckles.

The shoe features a zipper on the side that can be used for foot security, removable insoles to accommodate prosthetics, and a low-cut design that aids mobility.

Both trainers can be bought in pairs, but the shoes will soon be available as single shoes for those with one-foot disabilities.

Reebok product manager Dan Buonomo stated, “We created the Reebok fit to fit adaptive footwear collection to support Reebok’s mission to inspire human movement for everyone.”

The collection’s goal was to offer functional products for everyone while keeping true to Reebok’s iconic design heritage. The Nanoflex Parafit TR is a shoe designed for athletes who require an adaptive fit. It features a heel pull tab, which makes it easier for wheelchair users to put on their shoes.

Reebok’s tennis-style shoe Club MEMT Parafit has an updated version with a removable insole that allows for customization. It also comes in larger sizes to accommodate wider feet or prosthetics.

Reebok collaborated with Zappos’ adaptive department, a clothing retailer, to create the range. It describes it as inclusive in terms of performance and lifestyle.

To understand which features are most important to them, the companies sought feedback from members of the disabled community.

Nanoflex Parafit TR is a larger fit and has a lower cut design. Buonomo stated that “we were able to gain an understanding of the specific requirements of this community, and how we can enhance our offerings to make them more inclusive.” He continued, “For example we discovered that every model should include a removable sole.”

“This made it possible to customize the fit of our shoes so that everyone could thrive in them – people can swap in their insoles, or those with prosthetics and braces can remove the insole for more space.”

Club MEMT Parafit’s removable insole allows for customizing the fit. The trainers come with a side zip that allows for quick and easy dressing. However, the wearer must still be able tie the laces at the front.

Reebok has been owned 100% by Adidas since 2005. Reebok’s Fit to Fit is the first adaptive trainer collection. However, other brands of sportswear have released shoes that are easy to put on and require minimal hand input. This has created a market for accessible footwear.

Nike, an American sportswear brand, created GO FlyEase, a pair of trainers that can be put on and taken out without the use of your hands. Puma, a sports brand, created a pair trainers that can be adjusted with one finger.