EXPLORATORIUM

Step-in shoes have earned their place in the IFIO Hub's Exploratorium as a perfect example of innovative "I'll Figure It Out" thinking. These cleverly designed shoes allow wearers to slip their feet in without using hands or bending down—eliminating the daily struggle of shoe-tying and creating independence for those with mobility challenges. Companies like Kizik pioneered this technology with their patented heel spring system that collapses when you step in and immediately springs back to secure your foot. Sketchers followed with their Hands-Free Slip-ins™, while other brands have created their own variations of this practical solution. Step-in shoes represent exactly what the IFIO ethos celebrates: identifying a common frustration and engineering an elegant solution that makes life easier for everyone—whether you're a busy parent with arms full of groceries, someone with arthritis or back pain, or simply someone who appreciates not having to bend down to tie laces. You can find quality step-in shoes at: Kizik: https://kizik.com Sketchers: https://www.skechers.com (search for "Hands-Free Slip-ins") These innovative shoes remind us that sometimes the best solutions to everyday problems are the ones that make you wonder why no one thought of them sooner.