sneakers that grow: ÜNOS by Sz shoes expand when users’ feet size and shape enlarge

ÜNOS by Sz sneakers grow to fit the users’ current foot size

There’s a new one-size-fits-all series of sneakers in town, and it’s called ÜNOS by Sz. These pairs of shoes have expandable, Z-shaped soles that stretch as the users’ feet change in size and shape over time. It’s no longer the users adjusting to the shoes by throwing them out once they’ve outgrown them. Now it’s the sneakers’ job, stretching up to one full size in length to cater to their new foot size. That’s why the series is called ÜNOS: ‘Ü Need One Size’.

all images courtesy of Target

Dr. D’Wayne Edwards designs while target retails the sneakers

Footwear designer Dr. D’Wayne Edwards – who has designed more than 500 footwear styles for artists including Tupac, Notorious B.I.G., Snoop Dogg, and Nas – teams up with Target for ÜNOS by Sz sneakers. The former designs the shoes with expandable soles, while the latter is the retailer. For the sneakers’ design, Dr. D’Wayne Edwards opts for a sock-like upper so the footwear can stretch further as the users’ feet grow. It also allows the shoes to adapt to the varying shapes of feet and contributes to making the sneakers lightweight and breathable.

The ÜNOS by Sz collection is for both adults and children, with over 15 styles to choose from. When users flip the sneakers, they can see the open-seam, Z-shaped outsole. This is one reason the shoes can expand in length and width—the outsole becomes ‘multiple’ parts that can stretch instead of just a single block. Target handles the pricing, selling ÜNOS by Sz sneakers for under 50 USD in all its retail and online stores. This makes it easier for more consumers to get a pair of these shoes without breaking the bank or potentially harming the environment by throwing out footwear they’ve outgrown.

there’s a Z-shaped outsole that stretches over time so the shoes match the users’ current foot size and shape

Users can put the ÜNOS by Sz sneakers in the washing machine

When ÜNOS by Sz sneakers get dirty, users can toss them in the washing machine to get them clean again. Aside from the expandable Z-shaped sole, the inside of the shoes is made of 90 percent ethylene vinyl acetate and 10 percent polyester. They have removable laces and sock liners, as well as a breathable upper with a mesh-like design. The outsole material is composed of 54 percent viscose and 46 percent rubber, while the lining and upper are made of 100 percent polyester. So far, the ÜNOS by Sz sneakers are available at Target, both in retail and online stores.

the ÜNOS by Sz sneakers are for both adults and children