B/R Kicks: Nike Announces Winner of the First-Ever Ease Challenge

In 2015, Nike designer Tobie Hatfield introduced FlyEase technology into the Swoosh portfolio. This particular use of tech was created to help those in need.

Utilizing a laceless system, which proved an easy entry and exit strategy, FlyEase became an innovative way to give athletes with functional needs across the planet a chance to wear LeBron James' signature kicks—and has since expanded into other cherished Nike silhouettes.

Nike didn't stop with the invention of FlyEase technology. They've instead used it as a jumping-off point to bring footwear into any and all athletes' lives. This way of thinking led to the first ever Nike Ease Challenge in October 2016.

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This endeavor was Nike's way of giving outlier designers a chance to come in and shake up the footwear industry.

"The entries we received were inventive, creative and solution-orientated. The challenge caught the imagination of people with different experiences and backgrounds—from designers, engineers, physicians and orthopedic surgeons," said Nike's chief IP officer Jeanine Hayes.

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The Ease Challenge offered the first-place entry $50,000 and a membership into Nike's elite footwear community, where the winning party would go on to collaborate with the brand. All entries would be judged by an all-star panel of Nike athletes and designers, consisting of Hatfield, CEO Mark Parker, track legend Carl Lewis, WNBA star Elena Delle Donne and 17-time Paralympic medal winner Tatyana McFadden.

After narrowing down around 100 entries, Brett Drake, an architectural engineer from Wyoming, was officially announced as the Ease Challenge's winner.

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Brett's alteration focused on an enhanced rear entry system. This innovation utilized lightweight magnets and an easy to use fastening strap to create a bridge-like construction, giving athletes a hassle-free way to push themselves into the shoe. It also locks the sneaker down without using laces.

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Bleacher Report got the chance to speak with Brett and Hatfield about the Nike Ease Challenge and how important this work has become in creating an all-inclusive footwear universe.

Bleacher Report: How does it feel to consider yourself a designer as well as an engineer?

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Brett Drake: It was surreal to hear Mark Parker tell me that I'm a designer. It still doesn't feel real. I've always considered myself an engineer first, but it wasn't until the Nike Ease Challenge that I began to think of myself as a designer.

B/R: What have you learned about the differences between the two?

BD: What I've learned through this experience is that there isn't a difference. Whether I identify as an engineer or a designer, the ethos is the same. It's about identifying a need or problem and working to find the best solution.

B/R: How do innovations like the ones seen in this competition fuel your own creative juices?

Tobie Hatfield: It drives my creativity to see others come up with true solutions for true needs. Brett's solution has the potential to help improve the quality of life for people of all abilities. We're all in this together.

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B/R: What does the average consumer take for granted when it comes to sneaker design?

TH: For most people, I don't believe they see the design and development of shoes to be hard. However, when true innovation delivers new technology, it can take many years for the idea to come to fruition and for people to enjoy it. It's not easy, but when done right, like Nike FlyEase, it can be truly life-changing for some people and that's what matters the most.

B/R: Can you share any thoughts on the athletes connected to the Challenge, particularly Elena, as well as Tatyana and Carl? What does it mean for Elena and others to participate, as both an athlete and caretaker?

TH: For Elena, all she wants is a shoe that she can wear on the court, but that her sister Lizzie can wear as well. The exact same shoe. Her insights from both a performance and caretaker perspective are invaluable to ensure the solution is all-inclusive.

The Nike Ease Challenge remains a big step for inclusion. Finding ways to bring footwear into the lives of everybody, regardless of their status, is a narrative we can all get behind.

All news and product information courtesy of Nike News, unless noted otherwise. All quotes obtained firsthand, unless noted otherwise.