What Kizik does

Kizik is a US-based direct-to-consumer footwear brand founded in 2017 and headquartered in the Salt Lake City/Lindon, Utah area, operating under parent holding company HandsFree Labs. The company designs and sells hands-free, step-in shoes that can be put on and removed without bending or tying laces, built on a portfolio of patented mechanical technologies managed by HandsFree Labs — including the Internal Cage, External Flex Arc, Internal Flex Arc, Tented Heel Pocket, VivaFoam midsole, and Arch Form insole. The product line spans roughly 25+ active SKUs across women's, men's, and children's categories, covering casual/lifestyle sneakers (Vegas 2, Athens 2, Lima 2, Monaco), performance running (Freedom Run, launched April 2026 at $149.95), golf (Athens Golf, launched April 2026), outdoor and waterproof boots (London AT, Wasatch, Juno 2, Sierra), and accessories (cleaning kits, socks, gift cards), with pricing ranging from $99.95 to $199.95 and frequent promotional discounting.

Kizik's business model rests on two complementary revenue streams. The primary consumer stream is DTC e-commerce through kizik.com, supplemented by an expanding company-owned retail footprint, pop-up experiential activations, and regional distribution partnerships across Japan, Canada, Taiwan, Italy, Southeast Asia, South Korea, France, the Gulf Countries, and Spain. The secondary stream is B2B technology licensing through parent HandsFree Labs, which has signed agreements with Nike, New Balance (products targeted for H1 2027 launch across men's, women's, and children's), and a military/first-responder focused footwear partner — generating royalty economics and distributing the underlying step-in IP at scale beyond Kizik's owned brand. Kizik serves multiple customer segments including mobility-limited individuals (pregnancy, post-surgery, neurological or muscular conditions), parents of children needing independent-dressing footwear, runners, golfers, outdoor enthusiasts, and general lifestyle consumers, supported by marketing channels spanning creator affiliates (AspireIQ), media affiliates (Impact.com), the Kizik Rewards loyalty program, pop-up experiential retail, and earned media across Forbes, Sports Illustrated, Fast Company, Gear Patrol, and Yahoo.

The company has raised approximately $21.6M in outside capital to date, anchored by a $20M Series B led by The Newcastle Network in July 2022 with Frazier VC participating, followed by three smaller 2024 rounds from Frazier VC totaling roughly $1.6M. Leadership comprises CEO Monte Deere and CMO Elizabeth Drori, with a headcount of 51-100 employees. The company holds over 200 issued and pending patents covering hands-free footwear mechanics, holds WCAG 2.2 Level AA accessibility compliance, and offers HSA/FSA eligibility plus a 30-day test-run guarantee on performance shoes.

Name

Kizik

Legal name

Kizik

Website

https://kizik.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2017

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Kizik is a US-based DTC footwear brand founded in 2017 that designs hands-free, step-in shoes using patented mechanical technology licensed to Nike, New Balance, and others. It serves mobility-limited consumers, parents, runners, golfers, and lifestyle buyers through e-commerce, retail stores, and international distribution.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Footwear

NAICS

Shoe Retailers (45821), Footwear Manufacturing (3162)

SIC

Retail-Shoe Stores (5661), Orthopedic, Prosthetic & Surgical Appliances & Supplies (3842)

akta.pro primary industry

Performance Footwear (Running, Training, Court) (CRAAAEAI)

akta.pro secondary industry

Comfort, Orthopedic & Medical Footwear Retail (CRAAADAG)

Keywords

• Hands-free footwear
• Slip-on shoes
• Step-in technology
• Athletic sneakers
• Kids footwear

Headquarters

HQ city

Lindon

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Direct E-commerce Sales: Direct-to-consumer online sales through kizik.com, offering full-price and sale items across all product categories including women's, men's, and kids' hands-free footwear and accessories.
2. International Distribution: Distribution agreements with regional partners in Taiwan, Italy, Southeast Asia, Japan, Canada, South Korea, France, Gulf Countries, and Spain for wholesale product sales.
3. Technology Licensing: Licensing of HandsFree Labs patented hands-free shoe technology to established footwear brands including Nike, New Balance, and a military/first-responder focused partner. First New Balance products targeted for 2027 launch.
4. Retail Store Sales: Company-operated and planned retail store locations for hands-on consumer experience and direct sales.
5. Accessories: Sale of complementary products including shoe care kits, socks (ankle, no-show), and gift cards.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Kizik designs, manufactures, and sells hands-free footwear for women, men, and children using its proprietary HandsFree Labs technology, which enables shoes to be put on and taken off without bending or tying laces. The product portfolio spans casual sneakers, performance running (Freedom Run), golf (Athens Golf), outdoor/boots, and kids' styles, sold primarily direct-to-consumer through kizik.com and supplemented by retail stores, pop-ups, and international distributors. The company's parent HandsFree Labs also licenses the underlying step-in technology to major athletic brands such as Nike and New Balance.

Product overview

Kizik is a hands-free footwear brand offering a comprehensive portfolio of slip-on shoes and boots for women, men, and children. The core product line centers on patented HandsFree Labs technology, which enables shoes to be put on and taken off without bending or tying laces—featuring technologies like Internal Cage, External Flex Arc, Internal Flex Arc, and Tented Heel Pocket systems. The product lineup includes performance running (Freedom Run), golf (Athens Golf), casual/lifestyle sneakers (Vegas 2, Monaco, Athens 2, Lima 2, Prague 2, Siena, Irvine, Brooklyn, Camden, Madrid 2, Milan, Paris, Sydney, Brisbane, Madison), outdoor/athletic footwear (London AT, Wasatch), and boots (Juno 2 High/Low, Sierra, London AT Mid Waterproof, Wasatch Mid), plus children's shoes (Orlando, Truckee, Squeeze It). The brand expanded into performance running with the 2026 Freedom Run launch and secured licensing partnerships with Nike and New Balance to apply HandsFree Labs technology across other footwear brands. HSA/FSA eligibility, accessibility compliance (WCAG 2.2 Level AA), and a 30-day test-wear guarantee support the consumer offering.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• HandsFree Labs: Parent technology company holding patents for hands-free footwear mechanics, managing over 200 issued and pending patents.

Products and services

• Freedom Run First hands-free performance running shoe featuring patented HandsFree Labs Internal Flex Arc technology, VivaFoam midsole, tented heel pocket, and bungee eyelet system. Designed for everyday miles and all-day wear with a neutral cushioning platform (9-10mm heel drop, 8.2 oz women's / 9.8 oz men's). For runners and fitness enthusiasts seeking performance with convenience.
• Athens Golf Hands-free golf shoe with HandsFree Labs Cage technology, water-resistant performance upper, high-traction rubber outsole with multi-directional lugs, Arch Form insole, and super-soft responsive foam midsole. Designed for quick step-in and stable traction on varied course terrains, targeted at golfers.
• Athens 2 / Athens 2 Knit Best-selling hands-free sneaker with HandsFree Labs Cage technology, engineered mesh upper, high-rebound cushioning, rocker sole, padded comfort collar, and rubber outsole with flex grooves. Knit variant offers a flexible knit upper for relaxed fit. Priced at $139.95.
• Vegas 2 Premium hands-free sneaker combining patented HandsFree Labs Internal Cage technology with full-grain leather upper, responsive foam midsole, and full rubber outsole. Offers all-day comfort with no break-in required. Priced at $139.95.
• Lima 2 Lightweight hands-free shoe with HandsFree Labs Internal Cage technology, 4-way stretch knit upper, responsive foam midsole with Arch Form insole, and increased rubber coverage on outsole. Features generous toe box for relaxed fit, available in wide and extra-wide sizes. Priced at $119.95.
• Monaco Retro-classic hands-free sneaker with HandsFree Labs External Flex Arc technology, nylon upper with suede overlays, super-soft responsive foam midsole, and full rubber outsole. Features chunky trend-forward silhouette with stability and cushioning. Priced at $149.95.
• Prague 2 Hands-free sneaker with stretch canvas upper and high-rebound foam midsole. Features HandsFree Labs technology for effortless step-in experience. Part of Kizik's casual catalog.
• Irvine Hands-free sneaker with stretch canvas upper providing flexibility, durability, and effortless everyday style. Features HandsFree Labs technology and high-rebound midsole. Priced at $99.95.
• Brooklyn Low-top canvas-style hands-free sneaker providing all-day comfort. Features HandsFree Labs technology for easy step-in entry. Part of Kizik's casual catalog.
• Camden Classic court-style hands-free sneaker with full-grain leather upper, HandsFree Labs technology, and gum rubber outsole. Combines timeless design with hands-free convenience. Part of Kizik's casual catalog.
• Siena Active design hands-free sneaker with flexible knit upper, HandsFree Labs technology, and responsive cushioning. Combines casual style with capable performance. Part of Kizik's lifestyle catalog.
• Madrid 2 Hands-free sneaker with flexible knit covering heel to toe for all-day comfort and relaxed fit. Features HandsFree Labs technology for quick step-in entry. Part of Kizik's lifestyle catalog.
• Milan Hands-free sneaker with sleek design, HandsFree Labs technology, and comfortable midsole cushioning for everyday wear. Part of Kizik's casual catalog.
• London Classic hands-free sneaker with HandsFree Labs technology. Features comfortable upper and durable construction for everyday use. Part of Kizik's casual catalog.
• Juno 2 High Boot High-cut hands-free boot with HandsFree Labs technology, providing secure fit and support. Features water-resistant materials and comfortable midsole for all-day wear. Priced at $174.95.
• Juno 2 Low Boot Low-cut hands-free boot with HandsFree Labs technology, offering easier entry than traditional boots with water-resistant features. Part of Kizik's boots line.
• London AT Mid Waterproof Mid-cut waterproof hands-free boot with HandsFree Labs technology. Features water-resistant materials and enhanced ankle support for outdoor conditions. Priced at $199.95, regularly discounted to $149.99.
• Sierra Boot Hands-free boot with rugged design, HandsFree Labs technology, and water-resistant materials. Designed for outdoor activities and casual wear. Priced at $169.95, regularly discounted to $99.99.
• Wasatch / Wasatch Mid Outdoor-focused hands-free sneaker with HandsFree Labs technology, durable construction, and traction features for varied terrain. Mid-cut version adds enhanced ankle support and water-resistant features. Part of Kizik's outdoor line.
• London AT All-terrain hands-free sneaker with enhanced grip and durability features. Part of the outdoor-focused footwear lineup.
• Kids Footwear (Orlando, Truckee, Squeeze It) Hands-free kids' shoes (Orlando, Truckee, Squeeze It) featuring HandsFree Labs technology for easy step-in, designed for children who struggle with tying laces or need footwear that supports independent dressing. Available in toddler, little kids (4-8 years), and big kids (8-12 years) categories.
• Big Kids Athens 2 Big Kids variant of the Athens 2 hands-free sneaker with HandsFree Labs Cage technology, designed for children aged 8-12 years.
• Kizik Gift Card Digital gift cards delivered by email in denominations of $20, $25, $35, $40, $50, $75, $100, $150, and $200. No additional processing fees.
• Kizik Cleaning Kit Shoe care kit for maintaining Kizik footwear, including cleaning foam and stain guard products.
• Kizik Socks (Ankle & No-Show) Performance socks designed to complement Kizik footwear, available in ankle and no-show styles in packs of 3. No-show socks available in black and white color options.

Named customers1 record

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature8 records

Partnerships

Three partnerships are on record, tiered flagship and core.

• New BalanceflagshipOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing Partner · 26 March 2026HandsFree Labs, the parent company of Kizik, has signed a licensing agreement with New Balance to use its hands-free slip-in shoe technology across men's, women's, and children's footwear. Select styles are targeted for launch in the first half of 2027, starting with one or two high-volume styles before potentially expanding across the product line. This marks the third licensing partnership for HandsFree Labs.
• NikeflagshipOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing Partner · 26 March 2026Nike is an existing licensing partner for HandsFree Labs technology, representing one of the first major athletic brands to license Kizik's hands-free shoe technology.
• Military/First-Responder PartnercoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing Partner · 26 March 2026A licensing partnership focused on military and first-responder footwear applications, representing HandsFree Labs' expansion into specialized professional footwear segments.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves11 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Market position

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/wearkizik

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds5 records

Investors3 records

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Kizik