Nike has been constantly whipping out new technology in their shoes: Air Max, Flyknit, Flyweave, Lunarlon, Flywire, Zoom, etc. Most recently, Nike created the new FLYEASE technology, an easy entry footwear system design by Tobie Hatfield, brother of Tinker Hatfield. The process of creating this easy entry shoe starting way back in the day with Nike's first employee, Jeff Johnson, who suffered a stroke. After Johnson's significant loss of body function, Nike's CEO Mark Parker wanted to help him by creating a slip on sneaker. That shoe, however, was only available to Jeff Johnson. This new door hinge inspired back strap technology will be easily available now thanks to Matthew Walzer.

Matthew Walzer was a junior in high school when he wrote a public letter to Mark Parker through social media. Walzer suffers from cerebral palsy and does not have much movement in one of his hands. Going into college, Matthew did not want to have his parents around to tie his shoes, so he was inspired to write this letter:

"Out of all the challenges I have overcome in my life, there is one that I am still trying to master, tying my shoes. Cerebral palsy stiffens the muscles in the body. As a result I have flexibility in only one of my hands which makes it impossible for me to tie my shoes. My dream is to go to the college of my choice without having to worry about someone coming to tie my shoes everyday. 

I've worn Nike basketball shoes all my life. I can only wear this type of shoe because I need ankle support to walk. I am currently wearing the Lunar hyper gamer and LeBron Zoom Soldier 6's. At 16 years old, I am able to completely dress myself, but my parents still have to tie my shoes. As a teenager who is striving to become totally self-sufficient, I find this extremely frustrating, and at times, embarrassing. 

I know that Nike makes slip-ons, sandals and other types of shoes. However, I and many other physically challenged people are unable to wear them due to a lack of support. When I think of Nike, I think of one of America's most innovative and forward thinking companies. Nike is always pushing the limits, making their shoes lighter, faster and stronger by using new materials, new designs and new technologies. This benefits people all around the world. Bill Bowerman said it best, 'If you have a body you are an athlete.' I believe everyone, no matter what their physical, economic, or social circumstances may be, deserves to call themselves an athlete, and deserves to have a sense of freedom and independence."

Matthew Walzer and Tobie Hatfield worked together for three years to make his dream come true. As a basketball (and Lebron) lover, combined with a need for ankle support to walk, Nike designed the Lebron Soldier 8 with FLYEASE technology for Walzer as well as the general public. This is a huge step in the right direction for the sneaker industry. "If you have a body, you're an athlete" is one of Nike's mottos and they're doing what they can to make this true.