Nike has officially introduced the new LeBron Soldier 10 FlyEase, a shoe which improves upon earlier versions, while maintaining the lace-free entry system the FlyEase is known and loved for.
LeBron himself invited patients from Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital for Rehabilitation to the Cleveland Cavaliers practice facility recently to celebrate the launch of the new Soldier 10 FlyEase, and spent time personally connecting with each of the kids while showing the advantages of the FlyEase in his shoe, which benefits athletes of all abilities and ages.
On this new rendition of the FlyEase, the zipper received an upgrade, as it now lies at a flatter angle to allow for an easier pull around the ankle. Most importantly, the Soldier 10 expands the FlyEase platform to improve upon entry, expanding the mid-foot and heel counter opening, making it easier than ever to put on and take off your shoes.
Tobie Hatfield, Nike Senior Director of Athlete Innovation, and his team worked collaboratively with athletes of all abilities to improve the shoe, making this one of the easiest shoes to get into that Nike has ever made.
Per Nike,
“One of the key learnings we’ve had in crafting accessible footwear is the importance of easy entry and exit of the shoe, not just simplifying its fastening system,” says Tobie Hatfield, Nike Senior Director of Athlete Innovation. “Eliminating the intricate hand movement of lace tying is important, but if the athlete cannot get their foot into the shoe, lacing becomes a moot point.”
There are also a few subtle design differences with the inclusion of a small asterisk on the heel, the heel tabs, and another on the Velcro under the ankle strap. This is a nod to the asterisk that appears next to the word “athlete” in Nike’s mission statement and references Nike’s belief that “if you have a body, you’re an athlete.”
You can read the full story of the LeBron Soldier 10 FlyEase right here.
