Trending Now - Kizik Partners With New Balance for Innovative Slip-on Running Shoes

WHO:

Kizik, a shoe brand founded in 2017

New Balance, a major footwear brand

Monte Deere, then-CEO of Kizik

Gareth Hosford, CEO of Kizik

Mike Pratt, founder of Kizik

WHAT:

Kizik announced a partnership with New Balance to create slip-on running shoes.

Kizik is launching the Kizik Freedom Run, priced at $149.95, on April 17th, 2026.

Kizik has over 200 issued and pending patents related to hands-free footwear mechanics.

The Freedom Run is designed as a mid-market running shoe, not an elite game-day shoe.

The Freedom Run features the Internal Flex Arc technology to minimize heel slippage.

Kizik has been collaborating with Nike since 2019 to license its hands-free technology.

WHERE:

Kizik is based in the United States, but specific locations are not mentioned in the articles.

WHEN:

Kizik was founded in 2017.

The Kizik Freedom Run will debut on April 17th, 2026.

Kizik's partnership with New Balance is expected to produce step-in footwear by 2027.

WHY:

Kizik aims to make hands-free shoe technology accessible to a wider audience, including those with disabilities.

The partnership with New Balance is part of Kizik's strategy to expand its licensing agreements and reach in the performance category.

HOW:

Kizik's design team created the Freedom Run using a custom foam called Viva Foam for durability and lightweight performance.

The design process involved collaboration with New Balance to integrate Kizik's technology into their existing styles.

(UPDATED March 26, 2026 15:23 UTC)

Kizik has announced a partnership with New Balance to create slip-on running shoes, launching the Kizik Freedom Run on April 17, 2026, at a price of $149.95. This new shoe features Internal Flex Arc technology to minimize heel slippage and is designed as a mid-market option rather than an elite game-day shoe, with Kizik's design team utilizing a custom foam called Viva Foam for durability. Kizik, which was founded in 2017 and is based in the United States, aims to make hands-free shoe technology more accessible, particularly for individuals with disabilities, and has been collaborating with Nike since 2019 to license its innovative technology.