Latest news with #Kizik
Fashion United
7 days ago
- Business
- Fashion United
Kizik appoints new chief executive officer
Gareth Hosford was appointed chief executive officer of US footwear brand Kizik and its parent company, HandsFree Labs. Hosford has over 20 years of experience in the footwear and sportswear industries, with previous senior roles at Nike, Converse and sportswear start-up Omorpho. Under Hosford's leadership, Kizik aims to grow further, both online and in brick and mortar stores. His remit is to strengthen the brand's innovative capacity, expand its international presence and leverage the company's patented hands-free technology. Founder Mike Pratt said of Hosford: 'His exceptional track record in building iconic global brands, combined with a start-up mentality and a relentless focus on innovation, make him the right leader to guide us into our next phase of growth. Equally important, Gareth leads with empathy and collaboration, essential qualities that will continue to strengthen and align our direct-to-consumer, wholesale and licensing channels as we accelerate our global growth.' Former chief executive officer Monte Deere will remain on the board and will now focus on licensing strategy. In 2019, Kizik entered into a licensing partnership with Nike. Utah-based Kizik became known for its so-called 'hands-free' sneakers that can be put on without using your hands. Thanks to a special heel design, the shoes flex with your foot. The brand holds over 200 patents on this technology and sells worldwide, primarily through its own online channels. In 2022, the company raised 20 million dollars to invest in new products and stores. Since 2023, Kizik has also been available at department store chain Nordstrom and has opened its first brick and mortar store in Salt Lake City. This article was translated to English using an AI tool. FashionUnited uses AI language tools to speed up translating (news) articles and proofread the translations to improve the end result. This saves our human journalists time they can spend doing research and writing original articles. Articles translated with the help of AI are checked and edited by a human desk editor prior to going online. If you have questions or comments about this process email us at info@
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Kizik taps Nike vet as CEO
This story was originally published on Retail Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Retail Dive newsletter. Hands-free footwear brand Kizik has named Gareth Hosford its new chief executive officer, effective Monday. Hosford succeeds Monte Deere, who led the brand since 2019 and plans to spend more time with his family, the company said. Deere will remain on the board of parent company HandsFree Lab and advise on the business's licensing arm, according to an announcement. Hosford most recently was chief operating officer and CFO of performance apparel startup Omorpho, and before that, he held leadership positions with Converse and Nike. At Kizik, Hosford will be active in scaling innovation, expanding its global presence and growing its licensing business, per the release. Kizik has tapped a seasoned apparel and footwear executive to lead it into its next chapter of growth. At Nike, Hosford spent over 10 years in senior leadership positions, including as global strategic planning director and general manager of Nike football in the U.K. and Ireland. The CEO change follows other executive appointments at Kizik. Former Sperry executive Elizabeth Drori was named chief marketing officer last July, while Andreas Harlow, a 20-year Nike veteran who was global footwear creative director for the Jordan Brand, was brought on as Kizik's first senior vice president of design in November. As it looks to future growth, Kizik continues to seek ways to expand its product offerings and selling platforms. The brand has opened new stores in the U.S. and established partnerships to sell its products in the U.K., Japan, Canada, South Korea, France, Spain and more. The footwear company also launched its first pop-up location in New York City in 2024. Company executives feel that launching and licensing the brand's hands-free technologies may offer the biggest growth opportunity for the business. 'As we officially launch our HandsFree Labs technology brand, we expect it will become an ingredient across an even wider variety of the shoes you love from your favorite brands on the market,' Deere said in an email. 'We believe HandsFree has the potential to ultimately eclipse our Kizik footwear brand in enterprise value.' Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Kizik and HandsFree Labs Name Industry Veteran, Gareth Hosford, as CEO to Accelerate Global Growth
Former Nike and Converse Executive Tapped to Lead the Rapidly Expanding Hands-Free Footwear Innovator SALT LAKE CITY, June 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Kizik, the leader in hands-free footwear, and its parent company, HandsFree Labs, proudly announce the appointment of Gareth Hosford as Chief Executive Officer, effective today. A proven footwear and fitness industry leader with more than two decades of experience scaling global brands including Nike, Converse, and performance apparel start-up Omorpho, Hosford brings a dynamic blend of corporate rigor and entrepreneurial agility as Kizik enters the next chapter of explosive growth. Hosford's expertise in omni-channel strategy, licensing, and direct-to-consumer (DTC) business models uniquely positions him to steer Kizik and HandsFree Labs through their next phase of rapid expansion. As Kizik continues to evolve from a DTC disruptor to an omni-channel powerhouse, Hosford will focus on scaling innovation, expanding global reach, and unlocking new licensing opportunities through HandsFree Labs' extensive IP portfolio. "We're thrilled to welcome Gareth at a transformative time for Kizik and HandsFree Labs," said Mike Pratt, Founder of Kizik and HandsFree Labs. "His exceptional track record of building iconic global brands, coupled with a start-up mindset and relentless focus on innovation, make him the right leader to help guide us through our next phase of growth. Just as importantly, Gareth leads with empathy and collaboration, essential qualities that will continue to empower and align our direct-to-consumer, wholesale, and licensing channels as we accelerate our global growth." At Nike, Hosford spent over a decade in senior roles across global business units. He led growth strategies as Global Strategic Planning Director, developed category expansions in Action Sports, Jordan, and Tennis, and later managed $100M+ in licensing and retail revenue as Director of Global Clubs & Federations. As General Manager of Nike Football UK & Ireland, he delivered double-digit revenue and EBITDA growth. Hosford later joined Converse as Chief Commercial Officer, where he oversaw a global team of employees and led a $3 billion business across multiple markets. Most recently, he led the launch and scaling of Omorpho, a performance wear and fitness equipment start-up, as both CFO and COO. "I'm incredibly honored to join Kizik and HandsFree Labs at such a pivotal moment," said Hosford. "In just a few short years, Kizik has achieved what most brands take decades to accomplish—transforming a simple idea into a category-defining movement. The brand's momentum is extraordinary, and the opportunity ahead is even bigger. I'm thrilled to help lead the next chapter of this revolution in footwear, amplifying innovation, expanding our global footprint, and scaling our patented hands-free technology to redefine convenience, comfort, and performance for consumers around the world." As Hosford assumes the CEO role, Monte Deere, who has led the company since 2019, will remain a key strategic force—continuing to serve on the board of Kizik and HandsFree Labs where he'll advise on the company's licensing arm of the business. With global demand for HandsFree Labs' patented technology surging—and with existing partnerships that include industry giants like Nike—Deere's deep expertise in law, intellectual property, and M&A makes him uniquely positioned to scale the company's licensing strategy and maximize the commercial potential of its groundbreaking IP portfolio. About KizikBased in Lindon, Utah, Kizik is the industry's leading hands-free footwear brand, recognized for its groundbreaking innovations and stylish designs. Kizik holds more than 200 pending and granted patents, offering a frictionless and convenient footwear experience for men, women, and kids. To learn more, visit or follow @kizik. About HandsFree Labs HandsFree Labs is the industry's only hands-free footwear technology that provides world-class innovations – giving your brand a competitive edge in convenience without sacrificing comfort and style. The lab, based in Lindon, Utah, focuses on empowering world-leading footwear brands, such as Kizik, with innovative patented hands-free technology. To learn more, visit or follow @handsfreelabs. PR Contact: kizik@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Kizik
Forbes
01-05-2025
- Forbes
The Best Travel Shoes For Men, According To Well-Traveled Experts
The best travel shoes for men blend support, style and functionality, minimizing pain and discomfort during your next trip. After considering recommendations from foot-care experts and insights from Forbes Vetted's well-traveled staffers, a number of favorites emerged: The On Cloud 5 won as our best walking travel shoe for its ultra-soft cushioning, while the Allbirds Wool Runners stood out for its comfortable yet sophisticated design that's ideal for business travelers. The best travel shoes for men blend support, style and functionality, minimizing irritation and ... More discomfort during your next trip. 'Most men buy travel shoes based on looks—but function should always come first,' says Dr. Mohammad Usman, foot and ankle specialist and surgeon at Michigan Avenue Podiatry. 'Look for support, not just style.' All the picks in our guide offer cushioned support, reliable traction and breathable materials—plus fashion-forward designs. Here, the best travel shoes for men to shop right now. On Size range: 7 to 14 | Arch support: Yes | Colors: 16 total, including Hay/Frost and Glacier/White | Return policy: Free returns within 30 days What you'll love: Keep in mind: Swiss brand On's bestselling shoe excels in its supportive features. Its air-pocket cushioning absorbs impact, while its breathable mesh construction cools your feet. Notably, the Speedboard running along the shoe works like a springboard, helping to propel you forward, so walking long distances feels a bit easier. The Cloud 5 also earned the top spot in our best walking shoes for men guide for its abundance of trek-friendly features—we particularly like the fact that it has removable insoles and a very lightweight design. Allbirds Size range: 8 to 14 | Arch support: Yes | Colors: 6 total, including Dapple Grey and Hazy Indigo | Return policy: Returns within 30 days What you'll love: Keep in mind: Work-friendly shoes are often made of refined but heavy materials (i.e., leather) that can weigh down your feet on the go. Allbirds' Wool Runners solve this problem with their lightweight, ethically sourced ZQ Merino wool fabric. The material is naturally thermoregulating and gives this sneaker a sleek, business-casual aesthetic. It also has a cushioned midsole for extra comfort and, as added bonus, the entire shoe is machine-washable so you can toss this pair in the laundry after your trip. Kizik Size range: 4.5 to 15 | Arch support: Yes | Colors: 7 total, including Chestnut and Coronet Blue | Return policy: Free returns within 30 days What you'll love: Keep in mind: Kizik's Vegas sneaker has a springy yet durable 'Rabbit Foam' outsole and a soft leather upper that's flexible with a minimal break-in period. For days when you're stuck in long security queues, the sneaker is engineered with a collapsible rubber heel that snaps back into place when you step into it—a.k.a, it's incredibly easy to slip on and off in a pinch. Forbes Vetted engineering director Caleb King reaches for these when he wants a dressy style without sacrificing comfort. 'I wear these to the office because they are sophisticated enough to pass for work shoes,' he says. SUAVS Size range: 8 to 14 | Arch support: Yes | Colors: 10 total, including Oatmeal and Olive Green | Return policy: Free returns within 30 days What you'll love: Keep in mind: What slip-ons often lack in arch support, the Suavs Zilker makes up for with its grippy outsole that gives plenty of security and traction across all terrains. This one's particularly lightweight and slim, so its flexible body can be packed flat in your carry-on without taking up any excess space. Bonus: Its responsive, moisture-wicking fabric means you can wear it with or without socks (regardless of your foot type), and this p ick accommodates those with wide feet, too. Hoka Size range: 7 to 15 | Arch support: Yes | Colors: 3 total, including Barley/Oat Milk and Rye/Bark | Return policy: Free returns within 30 days What you'll love: Keep in mind: If your next trip involves nature trails or unpredictable terrains, the Hoka Anacapa Breeze Low has earned the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance for its extensive features that promote foot health. This includes a ventilated knit upper for optimal airflow, a grippy Vibram outsole for traction and a forked heel that allows for ease of movement on uneven surfaces. With its symmetrical foam cushioning, expect plenty of responsive toe-offs and a smooth ride overall. 'These are perfect for every stage of travel,' says Forbes Vetted gear editor Cam Vigilotta. 'Their ventilated upper keeps my feet cool, and the cushy midsole makes it easy to walk for miles in pain-free comfort.' Here at Forbes Vetted, our fashion team has researched, written on and tested a wide variety of footwear, from the best workout shoes for men to the best casual shoes for men. When assembling this list, we researched bestselling men's sneakers from top-rated brands like On, Allbirds and Hoka. 'When traveling, we often double or even triple our normal step count, which can exacerbate underlying foot problems,' says Dr. Matthew Conti, foot and ankle surgeon at the Hospital for Special Surgery. Before making a purchase, here are some important factors to consider that can minimize injury risks: 'Appropriate arch support is essential for travel,' says Dr. Conti, who recommends avoiding flimsy footwear that lacks cushioning. The Kizik Vegas' almost spring-like cushioning, for example, offers a blend of comfort and support. 'Cushioning is essential to maintaining the foot in a neutral position, which results in proper alignment and reduces stress on muscle groups,' notes Dr. Mohammad Usman, foot and ankle specialist and surgeon at Michigan Avenue Podiatry. Choosing the right fabric for your shoe can be the difference between constant irritation and redness or a blister-free journey. This is especially true if you're prone to hammer toes: a.k.a., corns that develop on your toes due to over-straining muscle groups, says Dr. Usman. He suggests you go for materials that rub minimally against your feet. 'I highly recommend mesh fabrics,' he says, 'as these can regulate temperature and reduce moisture, which has an added benefit of preventing fungal infections.' Our mesh-filled favorite on our list, the On Cloud 5, fits the bill and is known for its breathability. Certain foot types may need special attention. According to Dr. Usman, those with flat feet should 'look for shoes with motion control features, rigid heel counters and firm arch support to prevent excessive inward rolling of the ankle.' The Hoka Anacapa Breeze Low, for instance, offers an array of heavy-duty features to enhance foot stability while on uneven terrain. Alternatively, for feet with high arches, shoes with ample cushioning should generally suffice, he says. If you have wide feet, you'll likely need something something flexible like the Suavs The Zilker. 'Those with bunions will also need a wider toe box to prevent the toes from chafing against the top of the shoe,' Dr. Conti adds. To learn more about your foot type, talk to your podiatrist for a personalized evaluation.
Forbes
02-04-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Kizik Unveils The Monaco As The Fashion-Forward Hands-Free Sneaker
The Monaco's standout feature is its striking external arc, a bold reimagining of Kizik's signature hands-free system. The design was spearheaded by Andreas Harlow, Kizik's Senior VP of Design and former Nike footwear specialist, whose extensive experience across performance, casual and technical footwear informs the shoe's perfect balance of form and function. Kizik is debuting the 'Monaco,' a bold new addition to its lineup that seamlessly merges high fashion with cutting-edge hands-free technology. Known for redefining convenience without compromising style, Kizik continues to push the boundaries of everyday footwear with its latest innovation. Marking a major leap in footwear innovation, Kizik introduces the 'Monaco' - a sophisticated sneaker that artfully combines runway-ready aesthetics with patented hands-free technology. This revolutionary design represents the brand's continued commitment to redefining convenience without sacrificing high-end style. Designed in collaboration with Kizik's top UK-based designers, led by Andreas Harlow, Kizik's senior vice-president of Design - and a former Nike designer - the 'Monaco' introduces an external arc. This striking design element reimagines Kizik's signature hands-free technology. Harlow, 'passionate' about his design, has seen all the different design applications working in 'all the departments' in his former position, working on sporting, utility, and casual footwear styles throughout his career. This latest structural enhancement from Kizik elevates aesthetics with an emphasis on style, but also ensures seamless functionality, reinforcing Kizik's commitment to effortless wearability. The 'Monaco's' premium construction includes a refined mix of suede, technical woven nylon, sculpted rubber, and EVA foam, fusing luxury elements and practicality. Kizik introduces the Monaco revolutionary design represents the brand's continued commitment to redefining convenience without sacrificing high-end style. The Monaco's standout feature is its striking external arc, a bold reimagining of Kizik's signature hands-free system. 'The Monaco is the epitome of fashion meeting function,' Harlow notes. 'With the introduction of the external arc and high-end materials, we're taking hands-free footwear into a new era where style and convenience exist without compromise.' This revolutionary design represents the brand's continued commitment to redefining convenience without sacrificing high-end style. The Monaco's standout feature is its striking external arc, a bold reimagining of Kizik's signature hands-free system. The Monaco is packed with innovative features that blend functionality with style. At its core is Kizik's patented hands-free step-in technology, enabling effortless wear without the need for laces or manual adjustment. Crafted from a premium mix of suede, woven nylon, and sculpted rubber, the sneaker offers both durability and a sophisticated aesthetic. Marking a major leap in footwear innovation, Kizik introduces the Monaco - a sophisticated sneaker that artfully combines runway-ready aesthetics with patented hands-free technology. The Monaco's standout feature is its striking external arc, a bold reimagining of Kizik's signature hands-free system. According to a statement from the Kizik shoemaker, it's built for longevity, undergoing 30,000 heel compressions to ensure lasting performance and comfort. The flexible, spring-back heel enhances dynamic movement, snapping into place with each step for a smooth entry and responsive walking experience. Kizik introduces the Monaco - a sophisticated sneaker that artfully combines runway-ready aesthetics with patented hands-free technology. Adding to its innovation, the 'Monaco' integrates honeycomb thermoplastic heel technology, providing convenience by allowing natural motion without stiffness or rigidity, rubbing away material in other shoemakers usually. The Monaco's standout feature is its striking external arc, a bold reimagining of Kizik's signature hands-free system. Designed for movement, the Monaco is an ideal travel companion, whether navigating city streets, commuting to the office, or jet-setting abroad. Available in White Moonbeam, Iceberg Green, Wild Rose, and other contemporary hues, the sneaker caters to both minimalist and statement-making aesthetics. Harlow's expertise has been instrumental in shaping the brand's seamless fusion of fashion and technology since his tenure at Nike, working with the Kizik brand. Kizik is innovating footwear while revolutionizing it. With over 200 patents, the brand leads the way in hands-free footwear technology, ensuring its designs remain unmatched in convenience, comfort, and performance. Kizik's position at the forefront of fashion-tech footwear is ideal for those seeking an effortlessly stylish sneaker with groundbreaking functionality.
