TL;DR: The Kizik Vegas 2 is a comfortable, lightweight, and moderately supportive travel sneaker with a hands-free design. If you need stronger arch support or more cushioning under the ball of your foot, the removable insole makes it easy to add your own inserts.
If you’ve ever tried to tie your shoes while juggling a suitcase, backpack, or small child, the appeal of Kiziks is obvious. They’re designed to slip on without bending down or crushing the heel, which is especially useful on a travel day.
For years, I kept seeing Kizik mentioned in travel forums and recommended as a solid travel shoe. Still, I was curious whether the brand just had a good marketing gimmick or whether the shoes were actually comfortable and practical enough for travel.
To try out the brand, I started with the Vegas 2, one of Kizik’s most popular styles. They also seemed like one of the more versatile and stylish options for travel.
After wearing them for everyday outings and longer walks, this Kizik shoes review covers comfort, fit, and whether I’d bring them on my next trip.
Disclosure: I initially bought the women’s Vegas 2 in Animal Print with my own money. I later returned it, and Kizik gifted me the same style in white.
Pros
- Easy to put on hands-free
- Stable, secure heel
- No break-in needed and no rubbing or blisters
- Removable insole
- Lightweight
- Stylish and versatile in white
Cons
- Mild arch support
- Limited cushioning under the ball of my foot
What Is Kizik?
Kizik is a Utah-based shoe brand founded in 2017 by inventor Mike Pratt, who had been working on hands-free footwear since 2009. Nike invested in Kizik’s parent company, HandsFree Labs, in 2019.
The brand is best known for shoes designed to slip on without bending down or tying the laces. That’s convenient for travelers and busy parents, but it can also be helpful for anyone with limited mobility or dexterity.
My Experience With Kizik Shoes
Kizik Vegas 2 Review
The Kizik Vegas 2 looks like a classic leather sneaker, but the structured, hands-free design makes it different from a typical lace-up. My first test was whether they were as easy to put on as Kizik claims.
I’m happy to report back that they were. I could put them on without using my hands and only had to wiggle my foot a couple of times to get it fully inside with the shoes still fully laced.
And unlike the soft, collapsible heel on many slip-ons, the Vegas 2’s structured back stays upright, making it a much more supportive and secure heel when you’re walking.
I was initially worried that the structured heel might be too stiff since I get heel blisters easily, but the Vegas 2 didn’t rub or cause any hot spots during my 10,000-step test. The heel cushioning also had a nice bounce, and I finished the walk without any pain.
Overall, they felt moderately supportive, but the arch support and cushioning under the ball of my foot were both fairly mild. For longer walking days, I’d swap in my own inserts. The insole is removable, so that’s easy to do.
I originally ordered the brown Animal Print because I wanted something more fun than a basic white sneaker. Once I tried it with my clothes, though, it didn’t feel quite like me or go with enough outfits for a trip. I returned it for the white version, which is a lot more versatile.
Kizik Sizing and Fit
I wear a women’s US 10.5 and chose my usual size in the Vegas 2, which fit well, so I’d say they’re true to size.
The standard women’s B width worked for my regular-width feet, even with a bunion. The fit felt secure, and I didn’t have any heel slipping or pressure around my bunion.
I’d recommend the standard width for regular to narrow feet. Kizik also makes the Vegas 2 in a Wide 2E if you need more room.
FAQs About Kizik Shoes
No. The leather Vegas 2 should be spot-cleaned with a soft cloth or brush and mild soap, then air-dried. The removable insole can be machine washed and air-dried.
The Vegas 2 wouldn’t be my first choice for plantar fasciitis. It has bouncy heel cushioning and a structured back, but the built-in arch support is mild. You can swap in your own orthotics, but there are better options if you want more support straight out of the box.
I don’t personally have plantar fasciitis, but I’ve dealt with posterior tibial tendonitis, and the KURU ATOM 2 is one of my favorites when I need more support. If you have ongoing foot pain, ask a podiatrist what combination of cushioning and support is right for you.
The Vegas 2 isn’t waterproof, but Kizik currently makes two women’s styles that are.
The Freedom Hike Waterproof is built for hiking and trail walking, while the London AT Mid Waterproof is a taller everyday boot with a lugged outsole.
Kizik is based in Utah, and the Vegas 2 is made in Vietnam.
Kizik describes the current Internal Cage as thermoplastic. Older versions of its hands-free technology used a titanium arc, which explains the mixed answers online.
Kizik doesn’t label the Vegas 2 as metal-free, so contact the brand if you need confirmation for medical or travel reasons.
The Vegas 2 works well for everyday walks, and its classic leather sneaker look makes it a better choice when you want a walking shoe that can also pair with nicer outfits.
However, for longer walking days, the built-in support wasn’t enough for me, so I’d add my own insert. For a sportier option designed for everyday running and walking, look at the Kizik Freedom Run.
Many Kizik styles, including the Vegas 2, come in a Wide 2E. I have regular-width feet, so I can’t speak to the wide fit firsthand.
Final Thoughts: Are Kizik Shoes Worth It?
Yes, the Kizik Vegas 2 is worth it for travel. I liked the hands-free design more than I expected, especially now that I have a toddler. Being able to slip them on while holding a squirming child has made getting out the door so much easier.
I haven’t taken them on a trip yet, but I can see that same convenience being useful at airport security or anytime I’m juggling luggage.
They’re also lightweight and comfortable. The white pair goes with nearly everything I own, which is exactly what I’m looking for in a travel sneaker.
For longer walking days, I’d still swap in my own inserts because the arch support and forefoot cushioning were minimal. That’s an easy adjustment, though, and doesn’t change my verdict. I’d happily still bring them on my next trip.
→ Compare more shoe options in my guides to the best stylish walking shoes for Europe and the best travel shoes for women.
Mimi McFadden
Mimi started The Atlas Heart in 2013 to write about her travels abroad. 13 years and 45+ countries later, she accidentally became a packing expert. Now she helps women figure out what to pack, what to wear, and which gear is actually worth it. Outside of travel, you’ll find her hiking with her son, reading in her chaise lounge, and winning 3-point contests against her husband.
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