I have not come across such an innovative shoe like Kiziks; maybe I don’t have enough experience with shoes, but without any hiccups, I can say that these hands-free shoes have stolen my heart. That’s why I want to know where they are made with other quests that I think you would enjoy reading.
Who Owns Kizik?
The Kizik brand was born in late 2018 by the founder of Ogio, Michael Pratt, after selling Ogio International for $75.5 Million to Callaway Golf. After seeing the opportunities ahead, he patents the technologies of Kizik by starting HandsFree Labs to license them to other footwear companies further. In 2019, Nike invests in HandsFree labs’ accessible on-and-off technology to create sports shoes that demand little to no time in tying, yet give desired functionality.
It is good to see that Mike Pratt is doing something to make our lives easy, I agree that it is not groundbreaking, well said innovation is innovation however little it is. Now, in contrast, I think the innovations we are seeing right now in footwear are just a start and have much to cover. Let’s see whether footwear innovations make our lives easy better or lazy.
Kizik Shoes Manufacturing Countries
I never want to make my articles based on speculation as they are not as strong as facts. So in my quest to find proof of where kiziks are made. I contacted the brand, and they were very generous, which I admire. According to Clarke Anderson (Kizik Staff), Kizik shoes are made in Vietnam and China, but kizik uses the materials for the shoes that are made in the US as well as in Vietnam and China.
Seeing the potential that Kizik shoes hold, with the growth in its customer base, we will see more countries coming to the list of manufacturing the brand shoes. We all hope to see some pairs genuinely made in the US too. But even if not, there ain’t much problem because even after being made in China and Vietnam, the company’s managing staff seem to have a pretty good hold on those factories to control quality and craftsmanship.
Related: Where Are Ryka Shoes Made? (Only For Women)
Why Are Kizik Shoes Made In China?
Because Noodles are born there! Ha ha, jokes aside; They made Kizik shoes in china because china offers varied opportunities for the shoe industry, which include – low labor costs, different quality standards by price, a potentially more significant workforce, excellent infrastructures, and much more. China takes about 50% of total footwear manufacturing worldwide.
We can elaborate on dozen things, but the only reason kizik, along with other brands like HOKA and Brooks, have some manufacturing in China is their ability to produce high-quality shoes while keeping the cost low despite having shipping charges, import duties, and quality control.
Why Are Kizik Shoes Made In Vietnam?
I think there are more kizik shoes made in Vietnam than in China (I could be wrong). Kizik is an intelligent brand. I don’t think they believe in the squandering of opportunities that lie in Vietnam. The country is one of the largest footwear manufacturers in the world. Additionally, it accounts for over 10% of total footwear export worldwide. And, it is just a start, due to the availability of good quality raw materials, convenient shipping logistics, value towards sustainability and craftsmanship, and above all these, there are little to no duty restrictions when exporting from Vietnam.
You can mimic the idea of the rise of Vietnamese shoes because it is the third largest footwear manufacturer, producing an average of 920 million pairs, 800 million on average get exported to other countries. Thus, there should be no doubt why kizik shoes are made in Vietnam.
Where Kizik Sells Their Shoes?
Now (2022), kizik shoes are only sold in the United States and Canada. In my interview with kizik, they say, ‘ At this time, we are not offering International Shipping outside the US & Canada. If you are needing to ship outside the US, we are happy to put you on a mailing list. If we open shipping up to additional countries shortly, we can contact you with that update and offer.’
I’ll update you once Kizik shoes are available in other countries.
What Is Unique About Kizik Shoes?
The ONE thing that sets Kizik apart from its competition is creating shoes that can be put in and out without bending down or need of laces. Kizik’s parent company developed F.A.S.T (Foot Activated Shoe Technology) to achieve this endeavor, which uses a Deformable Element called F1 Titanium Arc. The titanium structure sits on the ankle and rebounds when you try to put on the shoe; thus, you get to wear a hands-free shoe.
“HandsFree Labs’ technologies are redefining how people wear their shoes,” said Scott Frazier, Managing Partner of the Frazier Group.
Are Kizik Shoes Durable?
When you hear that your shoe is made in China or Vietnam, a common question always arises: whether this freaking shoe will last long or not. Trust me; I have worn many Asian-made shoes – some stand great in quality, many poor. It could be due to the type of sports and outdoor activities I do that the outsole of my shoes gets paper thin in 2-3 months.
But I don’t think this is the case with Kiziks because I’ve read many reviews, and all said shoes are very durable for casual wear and average hike. However, I don’t think they made these shoes for thru-hiking on rough trails, but for occasional hikes, playing cricket, running, walking (casual-type sports), and, as office wear, you can’t go wrong with these shoes. And there are many reasons to say this.
One main reason is the use of custom polymers and aerospace-grade titanium connected with scrupulous manufacturing processes makes the shoe hard-wearing for years to come.
Kizik claims to test (100,000 cycle tests & counting) all of its technology rigorously to meet the highest quality standards so that we consumers have the peace of mind that the easy on and off feature of the shoe stays working throughout its life count.
Michael is heavily inclined towards traveling to natural places and documenting cultures/people from different parts of the world. He also loves hiking and camping and is spirited toward all outdoor activities. He will share his passion for outdoor life and brands or products we use outside our homes. He has good research skills, and that’s why you can see why his articles are packed with info that is factual and not readily available. He also has the vision to travel the whole world and share it with all readers of Outdoor Favor.
