Nike’s accessible ACG Gaiadome FlyEase Boot will be for athletes only

/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus image.

The ACG Gaiadome FlyEase boot has a back entry.

The image is of Nike.

The Beijing Winter Olympics will feature inclusive and accessible gear for Team USA Olympians and Paralympians. The new ACG Gaiadome FlyEase Boot can be secured one-handed. It seems to have taken the FlyEase's limited availability as well. The rest of the fit will be available for purchase, but the Gaiadome boot will be exclusive to athletes.

For the official Team USA medal stand look in Beijing, we worked closely with the disability community, including current and former winter and summer Paralympians, in our design and testing process, and used inclusive design principles and methods to create gear that ensures every athlete who competes feels support in style

The outfit can be easily worn by people with limited dexterity. The jackets have magnetic closure, large zip pulls, and fish-trap pockets. The Dri-fit ADV Trail pants have a magnetic buckle. The ACG Gaiadome boot has a back entry and laces.

The $120 Go FlyEase was introduced by Nike last year. A person could put on and take off the shoe hands-free with thebistable hinge on those sneakers. Nike was criticized for how it handled the launch of the FlyEase. The resale market around the shoes was created by limited stock and hype. Some accused Nike of using disability as a marketing scheme without assuring access to those who would benefit from the sneakers, as the problem went viral on social media.

Nike has decided to make the Gaiadome FlyEase boot an athlete exclusive. This isn't the first time Nike made footwear for Olympic athletes accessible for consumers. The Glide FlyEase was introduced for the Tokyo Summer Games. The flexible heel that would snap into place once a person stepped into the shoe was different from the innovative hinge. Go FlyEase and Glide FlyEase are available for purchase. The Gaiadome FlyEase Boot will be an athlete exclusive, but Nike didn't reply immediately.

In an ideal world, accessible design would be the default. It is difficult for able-bodied people with full use of their hands to wear boots. It is understandable that Nike is trying to avoid further controversy, but hopefully we will see the design of the FlyEase Boot incorporated on future shoes that are available to the public.