Nice Kicks: We saw you posted some photos of your “signature sneaker” on twitter. How would you describe it?
Matthew Walzer: Well, this is actually the first prototype sneaker with a second one coming in the next couple of months. The shoe uses a 2012 Hyperdunk as the base, a zipper across the foot, and an velcro ankle strap. I would describe it as a mixture of the 2012 Hyperdunk and the Glove.
Nice Kicks: How has this sneaker helped you with your CP?
Matthew Walzer: It took me an average of a minute and a half to put on each sneakers. Now with this first prototype it takes about 20-30 seconds each shoe.
Matthew Walzer “Signature” KicksNice Kicks: What do you expect from the second prototype?
Matthew Walzer: I called Tobie, and told him what added benefits I would need considering my CP. Tobie said he was working on a sneaker in the Innovation Kitchen with a rear-entry system.
Nice Kicks: Did Nike give your shoe a name?
Matthew Walzer: Ha, not yet. My friends are calling them the Air Walzer.
Nice Kicks: How has Nike made this experience unforgettable for you?
Matthew Walzer: I cannot thank them enough for all that they have done. It wasn’t just like they made the shoe and I’ve never heard from them again. Jason Petrie and Tom Wray of Nike Basketball treated me like one of their top-tier athletes. A day after I received the shoes, Nike called me and asked how everything was going. When I wanted to tell them what improvements could have been made, I didn’t want to sound like a jerk but Nike was very accepting. They told me they deal with improvement suggestions all the time from Kobe and LeBron, and to think now I get the same treatment as them is crazy.
Nice Kicks: What other opportunities have come from this?
Matthew Walzer: First of all, I couldn’t thank y’all enough for what Matt and Nice Kicks have done for me. At first, I thought this was gonna be a long shot, but it actually happened. I’ve received calls from multiple media outlets wanting to do interviews. It has been a wonderful and unforgettable experience.
Matthew Walzer’s “Signature” Kicks
