Hi, I’m Steve Kaufman, founder of Hands-Free LLC.

We are launching into the $500 million orthopedic shoe market with Quikiks -The World’s First, Totally Hands-Free Supportive Footwear. They allow the 50 million Americans and 250 million people globally, who struggle each day with putting on their shoes, due to some sort of physical or cognitive challenge, to easily step into the shoes and have them securely fasten without the need to bend over or use their hands.

Who are these people? -Chronic back pain sufferers, post-stroke victims, those afflicted with Cerebral Palsy, Parkinson’s and Autism, people struggling with obesity, hand and arm amputees, hip replacement recipients…. the list goes on and on.

Either their condition prevents them putting on their shoes, or doing so causes them a great deal of pain or effort, negatively impacting their quality-of-life, independence and self-esteem, because of their reliance on others to put their shoes on for them.

After years in development, input from orthopedic industry professionals and dozens of prototypes, Quikiks, made with our patented Step-in-Go Technology, is our solution.

So how do they work? Easy. The rear portion of a Quikiks shoe tilts back on a spring-loaded hinge creating an extra-wide entry –allowing your foot to easily slide right in. As you step down, the back rotates closed and fastens with a magnet. To get out, simply strike the heel on the floor and the momentum of your foot pops the back open so your foot slips right out -no bending and totally hands-free. And unlike flip-flops or clog-like shoes, Quikiks provide exceptional heel and foot support and don’t inadvertently slip off your feet, thus providing a more foot-healthy and safer alternative.

According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, 30% of people over the age of 65 fall every year! We believe that the use of Quikiks can help reduce this statistic.

Initially, we are self-producing Quikiks, but we see licensing our patented technology to major footwear brands as a big opportunity. Additionally, we want to pursue obtaining medical insurance reimbursement for Quikiks.

We will sell Quikiks wholesale, mostly through healthcare practitioners’ offices, such as orthotists, podiatrists, physical therapists and chiropractors. But, we’ll also sell through specialty shoe retailers, and direct to consumers through our own website, Quikiks.com –all at the same market-research tested list price of $249, which is priced in the mid-range of good orthopedic footwear.

The manufacturing of Quikiks is accomplished by first having the various components of the hands-free mechanism fabricated through plastic injection molds, metal stamping and custom neodymium magnets. These components are then shipped to our contract footwear manufacturer for incorporation into our shoes at various stages of the production process.

But, why should you vote for us? Because besides helping us improve the quality-of-life for millions of people, it is also part of our long-term mission to build a Quikiks distribution center in New York City that will provide sustainable employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

Thank you for reading!