Kizik

Kizik is a Utah footwear brand built around patented hands-free step-in technology: a collapsing heel cage that springs back into place, so wearers never touch their shoes. Founded in 2017 by inventor Mike Pratt under parent company HandsFree Labs, it makes casual sneakers, knit trainers, mocs, waterproof hikers and the Freedom Run performance runner for men, women and kids. Nike and Converse veteran Gareth Hosford became CEO in 2024. The brand sells direct-to-consumer, through Nordstrom and its own Utah stores, licenses its technology to New Balance, and is litigating against Skechers over slip-in patents.