Are Kizik’s hands-free, slip-on shoes worth it? We tested them

I first heard about Kizik shoes from my mother. I used to be residence for a go to whereas she was recovering from hip substitute surgical procedure (and going through the prospect of a second hip substitute in just a few months), after I seen her entryway was fully stuffed with shoes from this unfamiliar model. My mother, who’s in her mid-70s, defined that she’d fallen in love with Kizik since her surgical procedure, as one of many primary options of those comfortable shoes is that you simply don’t must bend right down to put them on; reasonably, you’re capable of slide your foot into the shoe simply whereas standing, due to the model’s patented Handsfree Labs technology. Not solely was she fully obsessed — she’d bought a whopping eight pairs! — however she additionally bought my choosy uncle hooked as properly. “You have to try them,” she advised me.

She wasn’t the one one. It seems that Kiziks have been proliferating on social media for a while as properly. I’ve seen numerous try-on posts and movies of influencers displaying off their expansive Kizik collections (just like my mother’s) and explaining how the shoes have grow to be a staple of their lives.

There’s an enormous vary of conditions wherein hands-free, slip-on shoes can be a complete sport changer; for these with mobility points or challenges relating to bending over, the use case is obvious, however there are occasions when anybody may benefit from this function: within the TSA line whereas touring, as an illustration, or in the event you’re a guardian and your fingers are all the time full.

To discover out whether or not these shoes are literally all they’re cracked as much as to be or in the event that they’re only a hyped-up gimmick, I tapped a spread of NCS Underscored editors, together with myself, to check out the model’s hottest types.

Breathability meets consolation within the reimagined Lima 2, which options versatile knit uppers. The upgraded mannequin has roomier toe bins and additional cushioning than the earlier model, plus each males’s and girls’s types can be found in customary, huge and extra-wide sizing.

Available in a variety of colours and shoe sizes, the Lima 2 are the sort of sneakers that work for nearly any event, from working errands round city to a workday on the workplace or only a stroll across the block.

NCS Underscored senior offers editor Rikka Altland discovered these shoes fundamental — in a great way. She mentioned the nondescript type labored properly with all her common outfits, and as a fan of colorful sneakers particularly, she appreciated the sunshine blue of the Soft Chambray colour she tried. “There’s nothing holding me back from wearing these like any other everyday pair of shoes,” Altland mentioned.

She discovered the match simply as passable because the aesthetics. Altland famous that the Lima 2 are “super comfortable for casual wear,” although she needs they’d a contact extra arch assist and traction. Still, “these are certainly in the upper echelon of sneakers, especially for a pair of slip-ons,” Altland mentioned. She particularly famous the comfy toe bins, which is sensible on condition that Kizik added extra space on this space, plus two further width choices, on this newest iteration of the shoes (therefore the “2” in Lima 2).

The solely draw back, in accordance with Altland, was that the heels felt a bit unfastened, so these shoes wouldn’t be superb for train outdoors of informal stroll. Kizik notes on its web site that these shoes have a relaxed match, and since they’re meant to slide on, it’s attainable that the heels are supposed to be roomier than your common sneakers.

What we favored: These sneakers have a traditional, goes-with-everything look and work properly for on a regular basis exercise.

What we didn’t like: Altland discovered the match of the heels to be reasonably unfastened, although they had been nonetheless nice for strolling.

This bestselling type options rocker soles, which improves mobility and reduces strain on the forefeet. Meanwhile, a sturdy rubber outsoles present traction, whereas inside, your ft are supported by mushy, high-rebound cushioning and breathable uppers.

A standout function of the Athens 2 is the seen Cage on the heels, a element that is key to Kizik’s HandsFree expertise. After moving into the shoes, the Cage springs again up over your heels and locks into place for a safe match.

NCS Underscored tech author Henry T. Casey pushed his pair of Athens 2 shoes to the restrict, strolling a mean of 16,000 steps a day in them for a complete month. Though Kizik classifies this mannequin as a “casual shoe” (that’s, not meant particularly for train, regardless of their sporty aesthetic), Casey mentioned they held up exceptionally properly and had been fairly comfy, even on the treadmill at his fitness center, although he famous that the mesh uppers didn’t really feel particularly premium when put next with different sneakers he’s worn.

He additionally appreciated the distinctive Cage affixed to the heels of the Athens 2, and in accordance with the model, it’s not only for seems to be; it’s is a key element of the HandsFree Technology Kizik employs to make its shoes slip-on-friendly, although most types have an inside Cage reasonably than a visual exterior one. Made from springy thermoplastic in a honeycomb configuration, the Cage is made to rebound again to its unique form after you step into the shoes. Casey discovered it to be an efficient system. “I really liked how the rigid ‘cage’ on the back helps you easily slide your feet in and not have to worry about damaging that part of the fabric,” he mentioned.

Though he favored the shoes general, Casey mentioned the sizing was a bit off. While Kizik notes on its web site that the Athens 2 run true to dimension, Casey discovered that they ran giant, particularly within the toe bins, though he opted for a half dimension decrease than his common males’s 12.5 dimension. He recommends buying a full dimension down for a greater match.

What we favored: Casey thought the Athens 2 type was comfy and sturdy. He appreciated their slip-on capabilities and flexibility for informal events.

What we didn’t like: These shoes ran giant, in accordance with Casey. He opted for a males’s dimension 12, which is a half dimension down from his common, and nonetheless discovered the toe bins to be fairly roomy.

Another new launch from the model, the Camden has leather-based and suede uppers with a design paying homage to traditional courtroom sneakers. For ladies, they’re accessible in two colours: the white and gum-soled type pictured right here, and a blush Toasted Almond paired with grey soles.

In addition to white with gum soles, the boys’s model of the Camden additionally is available in black with brown soles. These shoes can simply be styled for spring with denims, chinos or shorts for a laidback but sharp look that is surprisingly comfy.

Kizik launched the Camden, a traditional courtroom sneaker, in April 2026. Featuring conventional leather-based and suede uppers one would count on from a courtroom silhouette, this type might cross for a shoe from a extra storied sneaker model simply; the important thing distinction, for my part, is the additional cushioning within the midsoles and the padded collars, together with the apparent step-in functionality; this provides a bit extra bulk to this sort of shoe than considered one of its slimmer counterparts might need, but it surely’s not one thing that’s noticeable to anybody however the wearer, and the additional weight is welcome when it additionally means elevated consolation.

In truth, I attempted these shoes out myself, and after I wore them to the NCS Underscored workplace and talked about to colleagues that they had been Kiziks, a number of coworkers advised me that they might by no means have guessed they weren’t from a extra mainstream model. I paired them with trousers, a T-shirt and a cardigan that day, however informal, impartial shoes like these are extremely simple to type. I’ve taken to sporting them with denims and colourful wide-leg pants. The gum soles on the white colour, particularly, offers a pleasant distinction to an in any other case easy, traditional footwear type.

The Camden mannequin has come to occupy the identical place in my shoe rotation as my beloved pair of Reebok Club C (which I’ve worn for over a decade) and even my Nike Air Force 1 shoes, and are my private favourite Kizik shoes aesthetically.

What we favored: The look of those shoes earned high marks. A traditional courtroom silhouette with leather-based and suede uppers is a vital addition to any footwear assortment, plus they had been comfier than a few of their extra mainstream counterparts.

What we didn’t like: Nothing! I had no complaints about these shoes.

One of Kizik’s sportier types, the Monaco sneakers are inclined to run giant for each women and men, in accordance with the model. When I sized down a half dimension, although, they had been undoubtedly on the tighter aspect.

Men can select from black or navy trim on a pair of white shoes or all-gray sneakers, whereas ladies have just a few extra colourful Monaco choices.

Another pair of Kizik shoes I personally tried, the Monaco additionally function leather-based uppers with suede detailing, however right here, the look is extra sporty retro than traditional informal. Like the Athens 2, the Monaco shows its step-in capabilities to the world within the type of the External Flex Arc that cradles the heels of the shoes. Indeed, the heels of those shoes spring again up properly as you slide your ft in hands-free, although it ought to be famous that it might take a few wears to get the match precisely proper. As the web site suggests, I sized down a half dimension for these shoes, which I initially frightened was a mistake. The first time I put the Monaco on, they felt tight, and I wanted to regulate the laces and tongue to a extra comfy place and tightness for every shoe. Once I did that, they felt far more comfy, although I opted to not put on them with notably thick socks.

Still, I bought numerous put on out of those shoes. I left them subsequent to my entrance door for just a few weeks and ended up moving into them usually out of sheer comfort; whether or not I used to be popping outdoors to take out the trash, strolling over to my native espresso store or simply plain working late, the power to step-in and go is a profit that may’t be overstated. Sometimes, you simply can’t be bothered to take a seat down, work every foot into your shoes and tie up the laces.

That mentioned, these shoes have a fairly distinct type and didn’t essentially go together with each ensemble in my closet. For working errands or walks across the block, they went properly with my thrown-together outfits of leggings, sweatpants or trackshorts and a tee or sweatshirt. But these aren’t shoes I’d put on to the workplace or out in town.

What we favored: The ease of stepping right into a pair of shoes hands-free is revelatory if you’re speeding to get out of the door. I additionally loved the Monaco’s sporty type for days out working errands.

What we didn’t like: The match of those shoes was a bit tighter than anticipated, and it’s possible you’ll have to attempt a second dimension to seek out your excellent match. Luckily, Kizik has a beneficiant return and exchange policy, with free returns through FedEx.

NCS Underscored affiliate editor Jillian Tracy wore her huge Vegas 2 shoes on a current journey to Japan, the place she was strolling upwards of 20,000 steps per day. The hands-free nature of those shoes was notably handy when she needed to take away them to enter temples and different sacred websites.

The Vegas 2 combines rubber outsoles with full-grain premium leather-based uppers. For males, colour choices embrace a brown hue and each black-on-white and black-on-black variations. Women, in the meantime, can select from black and white, all white and Mauve Wine, a delicate burgundy.

NCS Underscored affiliate operations supervisor Devin Zacchino and Tracy each tested the Vegas 2. (Zacchino tried a males’s customary width, whereas Tracy tried the ladies’s huge width.) Both discovered the shoes extraordinarily comfy. Zacchino mentioned they had been roomier than anticipated, however he didn’t really feel compelled to tear them off on the finish of the day. Similarly, Tracy, who usually finds that informal sneakers are too slim for her ft, mentioned they had been surprisingly supportive throughout lengthy days of strolling throughout a visit to Japan.

“The Kizik Vegas 2 shoes provided ample room for my toes and forefeet, so my feet never felt squished, cramped or overheated,” she mentioned. “I was also surprised that these shoes seem to provide a decent amount of arch and insole support. My arches didn’t ache, nor did I feel an increased sense of urgency to kick these off at the end of the day to finally offer my feet some relief.”

Zacchino and Tracy weren’t fairly in settlement in regards to the look of the shoes, nonetheless. Zacchino discovered his pair to be suited to a spread of eventualities, from the workplace to an evening out. “I think they’re quite versatile, even for more formal environments” he mentioned. “I was able to make them work with slacks, jeans and shorts.”

Tracy, in the meantime, discovered the shoes to be unproblematic with a wide range of outfits — they labored properly together with her denims, black trousers and printed linen assertion pants — however not particularly stylish. “I don’t hate them, but I don’t necessarily think they elevated the look of the outfits I paired them with, and I was willing to sacrifice the style for the sake of my feet being more comfortable,” she mentioned. “I just think they look a little generic and can read a bit outdated or older. As a twentysomething woman, I’m generally looking for shoe styles that are a little bit more fashion-forward.”

Both Tracy and Zacchino thought $140 was a bit steep contemplating what these shoes delivered, although Tracy acknowledged that the hands-free function could possibly be worth shelling out for if in case you have mobility points. That mentioned, she famous that the shoes held up comparatively properly throughout her two-week journey, with just some delicate creasing, scuffs and wrinkles seen on the leather-based uppers. She estimated that they’d in all probability final for a yr if she wore them every single day.

What we favored: Our testers agreed that the Vegas 2 match properly and had been surprisingly comfy and supportive. Zacchino discovered that he might put on his pair with a spread of outfits for a wide range of events.

What we didn’t like: Both Zacchino and Tracy felt that the shoes had been costly for what they delivered. Additionally, Tracy mentioned the ladies’s type was too generic for her style.

These sneakers add a bit of aptitude to ft, due to retro-inspired suede and nylon uppers, whereas the outsoles function rubber traction to stop slipping.

Inside the shoes are Arch Foam insoles, which the model says slowly molds to your ft over time, together with padded collars and EVA foam midsoles.

NCS Underscored copy editor Danielle Poiesz was instantly drawn to the Siena’s aesthetic. “I love the look if these shoes with their multi-toned design and retro vibe (the Trooper/Surf Spray color reminds me of a pair of Pumas I had over 20 years ago!), and they’re easy to style with casual attire like jeans or athleisure,” she mentioned. NCS Underscored affiliate testing author Joe Bloss was equally proud of the eye-catching type: “It’s a classic look that works with just about any outfit, whether it’s with jeans at the office or sweats for a trip to the movies. I tested the blue indigo color and found the pair fit in well with any portion of my entire wardrobe that called for sneakers,” he mentioned.

While each Poiesz and Bloss loved the look of the suede uppers, they every had reservations about how properly the fabric would maintain up over time. Those had been overcome, nonetheless, after a number of wears left the suede in good condition. Poiesz even wore her pair in mud, whereas Bloss unintentionally spilled espresso on his, however each discovered stain removing to be a breeze.

For Poiesz, although, the match was one other story. Overall, the shoes had been longer and narrower than anticipated, although after just a few wears, they did stretch a bit, giving sufficient area to accommodate her bunions. She additionally seen that the arch of the insoles had been misaligned with the arch of her ft; that mentioned, she might put on them comfortably all day together with her customized orthotics after an preliminary break-in interval. After practically two months of wear and tear, nonetheless, they’d molded to her ft properly, not requiring her orthotics and changing into considered one of her favourite pairs of informal shoes. As my mother did, Poiesz additionally appreciated the hands-free function whereas recovering from surgical procedure. Meanwhile, Bloss mentioned the shoes match him properly straight out of the field, although they had been a tad wider than he’s used to.

When all was mentioned and finished, Poiesz can be keen to spend her personal $130 on a pair; Bloss, nonetheless, remained skeptical of the worth of the hands-free design, since he usually needed to modify the tongue of the shoes after sliding his ft in. “These are comfortable shoes that look sharp in a variety of settings, and I think that makes them worth $130 even if you could find similar options from other brands for a better value. I just wish the hands-free claim had won me over,” he mentioned.

What we favored: Our testers agreed the Siena shoes look trendy and had been extra sturdy than anticipated.

What we didn’t like: Poiesz initially struggled to seek out the precise match, although over time discovered they molded to her ft, and Bloss discovered he needed to modify the shoes’ tongues after moving into them.

These canvas sneakers are available in plain white, together with just a few extra fascinating choices for ladies. There’s the lavender hue pictured above, plus black, beige, teal and two floral patterned types.

Our tester discovered that the stretch canvas uppers of those shoes felt skinny sufficient to be breathable, and the within featured some stable padding. However, there are different related shoe choices accessible that price much less.

Perhaps essentially the most nondescript of Kizik’s types, the Irvine provides a wide range of styling possiblities. NCS Underscored affiliate testing author Carolina Gazal tried out a pair of those sneakers in white and located them to be a snug iteration of a traditional. “I got a size 7, and they fit like a glove,” she mentioned. “The sneakers are surprisingly comfortable; they have some light padding and comfortable inserts. They also have really good grip.”

While versatile and sturdy — Gazal mentioned they stood as much as many New York City subway commutes — our testing discovered that the stretch canvas uppers are inclined to get soiled extra shortly than different types we tried, and stains didn’t come out simply. Ultimately, Gazal mentioned she can be extra prone to pay $60 for a pair of comparable plain white Vans reasonably than $100 for the Irvine. Unless the step-in function is a must have for you otherwise you’re drawn to a extra enjoyable colour or floral sample on this type, a special white shoe is perhaps a greater match.

What we favored: Kizik’s tackle canvas sneakers, the Irvine is a flexible type to put on anyplace, they usually’re extra comfy than the common shoes.

What we didn’t like: These shoes bought soiled shortly and weren’t simple to wash. They’re additionally nearly double the value of comparable types from different manufacturers.

In April 2026, Kizik launched its first-ever efficiency working shoes within the Freedom Run. The mannequin comes outfitted with new VivaFoam midsoles for light-weight, responsive cushioning and rocker soles for clean heel-to-toe transitions throughout jogs and sprints alike.

The cushioned sport insoles contained in the shoes include an antimicrobial liner to scale back odor, and the heels function a reflective trim that helps you keep seen to vehicles throughout highway runs.

Kizik launched it’s first official working shoes in April of this yr. The Freedom Run type has options made particularly for runners, together with the model’s new, impartial cushion VivaFoam midsoles, which take up impression whereas offering rebound to your strides. Naturally, our personal NCS Underscored well being and health editor, Summer Cartwright, who additionally occurs to be a marathoner and authorized working coach, put them to the take a look at.

“On runs, the sneakers felt supportive and absorbed much of the ground’s impact,” she mentioned. “My joints felt comfortable while pushing off cement, and my muscles felt less sore post-workout.” Cartwright additionally famous that the sneakers felt sufficiently light-weight (8 ounces for ladies’s sizes, which is similar to each day trainers from different shoe manufacturers).

Among the Freedom Run’s options that Cartwright appreciated had been the tented heel pockets, an addition to the Internal Flex Arc that retains your heels firmly locked into place so your ft keep put throughout runs. “The first thing I noticed when stepping into these slip-on sneakers was the padded inside of the heels,” Cartwright mentioned. “I could feel cushioning touch both the inside and outside of each heel, which locked them into place and prevented any rolling.”

However, slipping on these shoes may not be as seamless because the pairs of Kiziks not meant for working. Cartwright famous that whereas they arrive pre-tied, she recommends tightening the shoelaces as soon as your ft are inside, which provides additional stability by stopping your ft from slipping when working.

What we favored: Cartwright discovered these shoes to be comfy and supportive for runs. She additionally appreciated the cushioning on the heels and the light-weight really feel of the shoes.

What we didn’t like: While she favored the shoes general, Cartwright famous that you must tighten the shoelaces as soon as your foot is inside so as to add stability, which might negate the convenience of with the ability to slip them on hands-free.

Hands-free boots sounded too good to be true, however they lived as much as their promise. In our testing, we discovered this type to be simple to slide on from a standing place with out the help of fingers, they usually saved our tester’s ft heat and her physique upright in chilly and slippery circumstances.

If you reside in a chilly local weather, you recognize what a problem it may be to get out the door in winter. When I noticed that Kizik makes hands-free boots, I knew our staff wanted to place them to the take a look at, though we’re formally on the verge of summer time. NCS Underscored editorial coordinator Stephanie Luna wore these boots in the beginning of spring and mentioned the slip-on capabilities lived as much as her expectations. “The hand-free design works great, especially since the boots are tall,” she mentioned. “It feels like something is compressing my feet as I put them on (though it’s never uncomfortable) and makes slipping on the boots so easy.”

For snowy circumstances, the boots have a thermal inside and an easy-to-clean water-repellent exterior. Luna wore them on lengthy walks within the rain and located they saved her socks fully dry and by no means confirmed any scuffing. “They’re super comfortable!” she mentioned. “The first time I wore them, I ended up walking a lot, and I was comfortable the whole time and never got any blisters or scratches (something I usually deal with when wearing boots), so I didn’t need a break-in period. They have a soft thermal lining that’s not thick but still keeps me warm. They also have good traction, and I felt comfortable walking around in the rain without slipping.”

Kizik additionally makes a low version of the Juno 2 boots, although at present, each types are solely accessible for ladies. (Kizik beforehand provided a men’s version of the low boots however seemingly discontinued the type.) The model does have a few useful, out of doors shoes for males — the London AT Mid Waterproof and the Wasatch Mid — each of which look extra like a pair of climbing boots than snow boots. However, they’re each waterproof with lugged outsoles for uneven or slippery terrain, identical to the Juno 2 High Boots.

What we favored: The Juno 2 High Boots make getting outdoors in winter a breeze by taking the trouble out of some of the annoying footwear types: snow boots. We discovered these to be comfy, heat and sturdy in our testing.

What we didn’t like: Kizik’s boots are solely accessible for ladies for the time being. There are different mid-height types for males at present on sale, although.

There’s so much to like about Kizik shoes. Generally, our staff was happy with the look of the shoes and pleasantly stunned by the comfort of their hands-free design. Even in the event you don’t take care of mobility points, it’s extremely useful to have a pair of sneakers (reasonably than flimsier clogs or sandals) that’s simple to slide on if you’re speeding to get out the door. While just a few of us had points with discovering the precise dimension, Kizik’s versatile alternate and return coverage signifies that discovering the right match shouldn’t be too troublesome.

Am I on my method to constructing a Kizik assortment that rivals my mother’s? Not fairly. But in the event you’re prepared to depart tying your shoes up to now for good, you’re in good fingers (and ft) with Kizik.

To discover out which Kizik types are literally worth shopping for, we assembled a testing panel of 11 NCS Underscored staffers with totally different shoe sizes, widths and foot points.

NCS Underscored editors and writers guarantee each product included in an article is totally vetted and one thing we ourselves would really feel comfy shopping for and utilizing. Our staff has many a long time of collective expertise researching, testing and recommending merchandise throughout each class — from style and meals, to residence items and well being, to electronics and the whole lot in between — and we’re dedicated to utilizing that experience that will help you profit from your cash and stay a greater life.

For this text, NCS Underscored editorial director Chelsea Stone, along with 10 different NCS Underscored staffers, tested standard types from the viral shoe model Kizik, which occurs to be beloved by her mother and uncle.