May I use my HSA or FSA to buy Kizik shoes?

Yes. Eligible customers can use HSA or FSA funds to purchase Kizik shoes. At checkout, simply select “Pay with HSA/FSA” as your payment method. You’ll be guided through a quick eligibility process, which may include a short, private health questionnaire. A licensed healthcare provider reviews your information and, if you qualify, provides the required Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN). Once approved, you can complete your purchase using your HSA or FSA card. If you prefer, you can also pay with a regular credit or debit card and receive the documentation needed to submit your purchase to your HSA/FSA administrator for reimbursement. Using Shop Pay? Choose “Pay another way” to see the HSA/FSA payment option without starting your checkout over. Eligibility is based on your individual medical needs and HSA/FSA plan requirements. [See full HSA/FSA eligibility details](https://kizik.com/pages/hsa-fsa-eligibility-kizik-shoes)

What if I order the wrong size shoe?

As long as you haven’t worn them outside, you have 30 days from your order date to swap them for a different size. Go to the [returns portal](https://exchanges.kizik.com/returns-portal/login), enter your email address or zip code along with your order number, and choose "exchange" rather than "return". Pick the size you actually want and we'll send it out to you. And if they’re simply not the right fit, no worries — you can send them back for a refund. We’d much rather help you find the Kizik pair that feels just right, because once you get used to stepping into your shoes hands-free, chances are you won’t want to go back to wearing shoes the old way.

Does this shoe have laces to make it adjustable?

Yes. The Women’s Athens 2 is designed to be hands-free, so you can step in and go without tying your shoes each time. But it also includes laces, so you can adjust the fit to feel more loose or more secure based on your preference. You may not see the full laces in every product image because the photos are styled to showcase the shoe’s overall design and hands-free features, but the laces are there and can be adjusted for comfort and fit.

What does hands-free mean?

Hands-free means Kizik shoes are designed so you can step in and go without bending down, pulling on the heel, tying laces, or using your hands. You get the ease shoppers often expect from a slip-on shoe, but with the comfort, support, and secure fit of an everyday sneaker. Some Kizik styles still have laces, but you do not need to tie and untie them every time. The laces let you adjust the fit, while the hands-free design makes the shoes easy to put on.

Are all Kizik shoes hands-free?

Yes. Kizik shoes are designed with hands-free technology so you can step in and go without bending down, pulling on the heel, or using your hands. While each style may fit and feel a little different based on the materials, cushioning, and design, the hands-free experience is at the center of what makes Kizik different. Some styles include laces, but they are there to help you adjust the fit. Once the shoes are adjusted to your comfort, you can still step in hands-free.

What does Wide D mean?

Wide D refers to the wide-width option for this women’s shoe. It is designed to give your foot more room than the standard width, especially through the forefoot and toe area. If regular shoes often feel tight across the ball of your foot, around your toes, or along the sides, Wide D may give you a more comfortable fit. It is also a good option if you usually buy wide shoes or prefer a little extra room in your everyday sneakers. Wide D changes the width of the shoe, not the length. Most customers should still choose their normal shoe size unless they typically size up for comfort.

Are these shoes good for pregnancy?

Kizik shoes are designed for anyone who wants everyday comfort and hands-free convenience, but many pregnant customers especially appreciate how easy they are to put on. You can step in and go without bending down, pulling on the heel, or tying your shoes — which can be a big help as pregnancy makes everyday movement a little less simple. They are not just pregnancy shoes, but for many expecting moms, the hands-free design becomes one of their favorite features.

Do I really not have to use my hands to put these on?

That's the whole idea. The patented Cage® heel compresses as you step in, then springs back and locks to hold your foot securely. No bending down, no pulling at the heel, no sitting on the edge of the bed to get your shoes on.

Are these waterproof?

No. The upper is a seamless engineered mesh, built to breathe and keep your feet cool rather than to keep water out. In rain or deep puddles, your feet will get wet. That breathability is the trade-off that makes the Athens 2 light and comfortable for a full day on your feet. If you need something for genuinely wet weather, the Sierra Chelsea and the Juno 2 Lace are the waterproof styles in the range.

How do I know what size to order?

Most people order their usual size and it works out. The hands-free toebox is cut roomy and accommodating, so there's a little more room through the front than you might expect — and if shoes normally feel tight across the ball of your foot, there's a wide option in the same size. If you're still unsure, order your usual size and try them on at home. Walk around indoors on carpet and see how they feel. If the fit isn't right, you have 30 days to exchange them for a different size or send them back, as long as they haven't been worn outside — you can [start an exchange or return here](https://exchanges.kizik.com/returns-portal/login).

Can I wear these for walking or being on my feet all day?

They're built for it. The midsole is a super-soft, responsive high-rebound foam, the Arch Form® insole is ergonomic and high-rebound, and an internal shank adds stability and reduces foot fatigue over a long day. The rocker sole gives a smooth heel-to-toe roll-through, so each step keeps moving rather than landing flat.

What is Cage® technology?

Cage® is Kizik's patented hands-free technology — the mechanism built into the heel of the Athens 2. As you step in, the heel compresses to open the shoe, then springs back and locks into place around your foot. It's what lets a supportive everyday sneaker go on in one motion.

Can I put these on standing up, without sitting down?

Yes — that's exactly what they're built for. Step in, the heel compresses under your foot, and it springs back to hold you. Useful at the door, in a parking lot, or anywhere sitting down isn't really an option.

What if bending down is difficult for me?

Then these were made with you in mind. The Athens 2 goes on without you needing to reach your hands to your feet — no pulling a heel up, no tying, no balancing on one leg in a doorway.

What are they made of?

The upper is a seamless engineered mesh, which gives a structured, supportive feel without seams that can rub. Inside there's the Arch Form® insole over a high-rebound foam midsole, and the outsole is rubber with flex grooves.

Are these good for running?

The Athens 2 is built as an everyday active sneaker rather than a dedicated running shoe. It has an 8 mm heel drop, a rocker sole for a smooth heel-to-toe roll, a heel stabilizer that controls rear-foot motion, and an internal shank for stability — which suits walking, travel, being on your feet, and light activity. If you're training seriously or logging real mileage, a purpose-built running shoe is the better tool for the job. We suggest trying our Freedom Run shoe.

What is a rocker sole, and why does it matter?

It's a sole with a curved profile rather than a flat one, so your foot rolls smoothly from heel to toe instead of landing flat. It makes walking feel a little more effortless, which you notice most over a long day.

Do they have arch support?

The Arch Form® insole is ergonomic and high-rebound — shaped to support your arch rather than sitting flat underneath it. There's also an internal shank that adds stability underfoot. If you wear custom orthotics, the insole lifts straight out.

Can I take the insoles out to use my own orthotics?

Yes. The Arch Form® insole is removable, so you can lift it out and drop your own orthotics in its place.

Will my feet get hot in these?

The seamless engineered mesh upper is built to breathe, so they stay cooler than a leather or heavily padded sneaker. That's the same property that means they aren't waterproof — mesh lets air move through in both directions.

Should I size up or down?

Order your usual size. The hands-free toebox is cut to be roomy and accommodating, so there's already a little more room through the front than you might expect — sizing up tends to leave your heel slipping rather than fixing a tight fit. If the problem is width rather than length, go for the wide option in your normal size. Width changes the fit across your foot, not how long the shoe is.

I have wide feet — will these work for me?

Likely yes. There's a wide option alongside the standard width, and the hands-free toebox is cut generously, so a lot of people find even the standard roomier than a typical sneaker. If shoes usually feel tight across the ball of your foot, go straight for the wide.

Spot-clean the mesh upper with a soft cloth or a toothbrush using dishwashing liquid and water, then rinse and let them air dry. The insoles lift out and are machine washable — air dry those too, rather than putting them in the dryer.

Do these come in men's sizes?

Yes — the Athens 2 comes in a men's version as well. The two are built on gender-specific lasts, so the shape is designed for each foot rather than one shoe simply resized.

What colors do they come in?

Quite a few, and the range changes through the season — the color swatches on this page are always the current list of what's available to order.

What's the return policy if they don't fit?

You have 30 days from the day they arrive to return or exchange them, as long as they're unworn.

$139.95 — what am I paying for?

Fair question. You're getting the patented Cage® hands-free heel, a high-rebound foam midsole, the ergonomic Arch Form® insole, an internal shank and heel stabilizer that keep you steady through a long day, and a rocker sole for a smooth stride. If hands-free isn't something you'd use, a simpler sneaker may genuinely serve you better. If it is, you have 30 days to decide once they're on your feet.

May I use my HSA or FSA to buy Kizik shoes?

Yes. Eligible customers can use HSA or FSA funds to purchase Kizik shoes. At checkout, simply select “Pay with HSA/FSA” as your payment method. You’ll be guided through a quick eligibility process, which may include a short, private health questionnaire. A licensed healthcare provider reviews your information and, if you qualify, provides the required Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN). Once approved, you can complete your purchase using your HSA or FSA card. If you prefer, you can also pay with a regular credit or debit card and receive the documentation needed to submit your purchase to your HSA/FSA administrator for reimbursement. Using Shop Pay? Choose “Pay another way” to see the HSA/FSA payment option without starting your checkout over. Eligibility is based on your individual medical needs and HSA/FSA plan requirements. [See full HSA/FSA eligibility details](https://kizik.com/pages/hsa-fsa-eligibility-kizik-shoes)

What if I order the wrong size shoe?

As long as you haven’t worn them outside, you have 30 days from your order date to swap them for a different size. Go to the [returns portal](https://exchanges.kizik.com/returns-portal/login), enter your email address or zip code along with your order number, and choose "exchange" rather than "return". Pick the size you actually want and we'll send it out to you. And if they’re simply not the right fit, no worries — you can send them back for a refund. We’d much rather help you find the Kizik pair that feels just right, because once you get used to stepping into your shoes hands-free, chances are you won’t want to go back to wearing shoes the old way.

Does this shoe have laces to make it adjustable?

Yes. The Women’s Athens 2 is designed to be hands-free, so you can step in and go without tying your shoes each time. But it also includes laces, so you can adjust the fit to feel more loose or more secure based on your preference. You may not see the full laces in every product image because the photos are styled to showcase the shoe’s overall design and hands-free features, but the laces are there and can be adjusted for comfort and fit.

What does hands-free mean?

Hands-free means Kizik shoes are designed so you can step in and go without bending down, pulling on the heel, tying laces, or using your hands. You get the ease shoppers often expect from a slip-on shoe, but with the comfort, support, and secure fit of an everyday sneaker. Some Kizik styles still have laces, but you do not need to tie and untie them every time. The laces let you adjust the fit, while the hands-free design makes the shoes easy to put on.

Are all Kizik shoes hands-free?

Yes. Kizik shoes are designed with hands-free technology so you can step in and go without bending down, pulling on the heel, or using your hands. While each style may fit and feel a little different based on the materials, cushioning, and design, the hands-free experience is at the center of what makes Kizik different. Some styles include laces, but they are there to help you adjust the fit. Once the shoes are adjusted to your comfort, you can still step in hands-free.

What does Wide D mean?

Wide D refers to the wide-width option for this women’s shoe. It is designed to give your foot more room than the standard width, especially through the forefoot and toe area. If regular shoes often feel tight across the ball of your foot, around your toes, or along the sides, Wide D may give you a more comfortable fit. It is also a good option if you usually buy wide shoes or prefer a little extra room in your everyday sneakers. Wide D changes the width of the shoe, not the length. Most customers should still choose their normal shoe size unless they typically size up for comfort.

Are these shoes good for pregnancy?

Kizik shoes are designed for anyone who wants everyday comfort and hands-free convenience, but many pregnant customers especially appreciate how easy they are to put on. You can step in and go without bending down, pulling on the heel, or tying your shoes — which can be a big help as pregnancy makes everyday movement a little less simple. They are not just pregnancy shoes, but for many expecting moms, the hands-free design becomes one of their favorite features.

Do I really not have to use my hands to put these on?

That's the whole idea. The patented Cage® heel compresses as you step in, then springs back and locks to hold your foot securely. No bending down, no pulling at the heel, no sitting on the edge of the bed to get your shoes on.

Are these waterproof?

No. The upper is a seamless engineered mesh, built to breathe and keep your feet cool rather than to keep water out. In rain or deep puddles, your feet will get wet. That breathability is the trade-off that makes the Athens 2 light and comfortable for a full day on your feet. If you need something for genuinely wet weather, the Sierra Chelsea and the Juno 2 Lace are the waterproof styles in the range.

How do I know what size to order?

Most people order their usual size and it works out. The hands-free toebox is cut roomy and accommodating, so there's a little more room through the front than you might expect — and if shoes normally feel tight across the ball of your foot, there's a wide option in the same size. If you're still unsure, order your usual size and try them on at home. Walk around indoors on carpet and see how they feel. If the fit isn't right, you have 30 days to exchange them for a different size or send them back, as long as they haven't been worn outside — you can [start an exchange or return here](https://exchanges.kizik.com/returns-portal/login).

Can I wear these for walking or being on my feet all day?

They're built for it. The midsole is a super-soft, responsive high-rebound foam, the Arch Form® insole is ergonomic and high-rebound, and an internal shank adds stability and reduces foot fatigue over a long day. The rocker sole gives a smooth heel-to-toe roll-through, so each step keeps moving rather than landing flat.

What is Cage® technology?

Cage® is Kizik's patented hands-free technology — the mechanism built into the heel of the Athens 2. As you step in, the heel compresses to open the shoe, then springs back and locks into place around your foot. It's what lets a supportive everyday sneaker go on in one motion.

Can I put these on standing up, without sitting down?

Yes — that's exactly what they're built for. Step in, the heel compresses under your foot, and it springs back to hold you. Useful at the door, in a parking lot, or anywhere sitting down isn't really an option.

What if bending down is difficult for me?

Then these were made with you in mind. The Athens 2 goes on without you needing to reach your hands to your feet — no pulling a heel up, no tying, no balancing on one leg in a doorway.

What are they made of?

The upper is a seamless engineered mesh, which gives a structured, supportive feel without seams that can rub. Inside there's the Arch Form® insole over a high-rebound foam midsole, and the outsole is rubber with flex grooves.

Are these good for running?

The Athens 2 is built as an everyday active sneaker rather than a dedicated running shoe. It has an 8 mm heel drop, a rocker sole for a smooth heel-to-toe roll, a heel stabilizer that controls rear-foot motion, and an internal shank for stability — which suits walking, travel, being on your feet, and light activity. If you're training seriously or logging real mileage, a purpose-built running shoe is the better tool for the job. We suggest trying our Freedom Run shoe.

What is a rocker sole, and why does it matter?

It's a sole with a curved profile rather than a flat one, so your foot rolls smoothly from heel to toe instead of landing flat. It makes walking feel a little more effortless, which you notice most over a long day.

Do they have arch support?

The Arch Form® insole is ergonomic and high-rebound — shaped to support your arch rather than sitting flat underneath it. There's also an internal shank that adds stability underfoot. If you wear custom orthotics, the insole lifts straight out.

Can I take the insoles out to use my own orthotics?

Yes. The Arch Form® insole is removable, so you can lift it out and drop your own orthotics in its place.

Women's Athens 2

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SIZING & CONVERSION GUIDE

US Women	US Men	UK	EU	Length (cm)
5	3.5	2.5	36.5	21.5
5.5	4	3	37	22
6	4.5	3.5	37.5	22.5
6.5	5	4	38	23
7	5.5	4.5	38.5	23.5
7.5	6	5	39	24
8	6.5	5.5	39.5	24.5
8.5	7	6	40	25
9	7.5	6.5	40.5	25.5
9.5	8	7	41	26
10	8.5	7.5	41.5	26.5
10.5	9	8	42	27
11	9.5	8.5	42.5	27.5
11.5	10	9	43	28
12	10.5	9.5	43.5	28.5
12.5	11	10	44	29
13	11.5	10.5	44.5	29.5
13.5	12	11	45	30
14	12.5	11.5	45.5	30.5
14.5	13	12	46	31
15	13.5	12.5	46.5	31.5
15.5	14	13	47	32
16	14.5	13.5	47.5	32.5
16.5	15	14	48	33

WIDTH & FIT GUIDE

Standard Size	Wide (2E) (cm)	Extra Wide (4E) (cm)
6	10.1	10.4
6.5	10.2	10.5
7	10.3	10.6
7.5	10.4	10.7
8	10.5	10.8
8.5	10.6	10.9
9	10.7	11.0
9.5	10.8	11.1
10	10.9	11.3
10.5	11.0	11.4
11	11.1	11.5
11.5	11.3	11.6
12	11.4	11.7
12.5	11.5	11.8
13	11.6	11.9
13.5	11.7	12.0
14	11.8	12.1
14.5	11.9	12.2
15	12.0	12.3
15.5	12.1	12.4
16	12.2	12.5

ADDITIONAL FITTING INFORMATION

Accommodating Fit: Many of our standard widths feature a comfortable, accommodating fit due to our hands-free toebox design.
Choosing Your Width: If you typically require a wide fitting, our Wide (2E) options are a great place to start. For the most generous fitting with maximum volume and width in the forefoot, select our Extra Wide (4E) models.
Fit Recommendations:
- If you are between widths (e.g., standard to wide), and still experience fit issues, consider trying a wide (2E) option in your regular size.
- For very high arches or very high insteps, an Extra Wide (4E) model can provide more room.
- Thin socks can provide a slightly less snug fit.
Still Unsure? Our customer support team is happy to assist with detailed fitting advice to help you find your perfect pair of Kizik shoes.

Step into the future. Our best-selling Athens 2 brings unmatched comfort to every step with signature HandsFree Labs® technology. Designed with a mesh upper and soft, high-rebound cushioning, it keeps you cool and supported from morning to night. A rocker sole adds smooth heel-to-toe roll through, while a durable rubber outsole provides traction and flexibility.

Knit: Use a soft cloth or toothbrush to spot-clean knit upper with dishwashing liquid and water. Rinse and air dry.

Leather: Spot-clean with soft cloth only.

Insoles: Removable and machine washable. Air dry. (Kizik Kids Prague, Athens, and Anaheim have permanent insoles.)

All returns and exchanges are accepted for unworn shoes within 30 days of receipt. There is no shipping charge for returns that are brought to any FedEx Office & Print or any Kohl’s location, Kizik retail store, or Redo return bar locations.

Accessory Return Policy
All accessory purchases(socks, cleaning kits, etc.) are eligible for in-store credit only. Refunds or exchanges are not available on accessory items.

Why you’ll love it

Hands-free tech: Cage®

Patented HandsFree Labs® technology compresses down, then instantly snaps back for a secure fit every time. It’s the ultimate hands-free experience.

Midsole comfort

A super-soft responsive foam midsole provides a high rebound and all-day cushioning.

Traction

A grippy rubber outsole makes every step smooth and stable, while letting you pivot with ease.

Easiest to put on, hardest to stop talking about.

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4.2

Rated 4.2 out of 5 stars

Based on 95 reviews

76%would recommend this product

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CH
Clara H.
Verified Buyer
I recommend this product
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
4 months ago
Very supportive and comfortable!
I have to put arch pads in because I have very high arches but these r the only shoes I can wear after my knee replacements and sciatica! I literally wear them every day!
Was this helpful?
RM
Rose M. C.
I do not recommend this product
Rated 2 out of 5 stars
11 months ago
Fabric tears super easily
Disappointed! I’m a big fan of the original Athens, but this style has a very thin top fabric that tears and rips easily. I’ve had the shoes less than 2 months and have not worn them a lot—and they are still covered in tears, including on both toes. Not worth the price I paid.
Was this helpful?
JS
Janet S.
Verified Buyer
I recommend this product
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
4 days ago
Been Wearing for Years!
I actually wore my other pair out. So a new pair had to be mind.
Was this helpful?
AF
Arielle F.
I recommend this product
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
1 week ago
Must Have
These are a must have! I just purchased my second pair, I am currently 6 months pregnant and struggle to put socks on as it is, being able to just step into these sneakers is top tier! I also had ZERO break in period, they fit perfectly right out the gate. 10/10 very happy!
Was this helpful?
D
Deanna
I recommend this product
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
3 weeks ago
5 Stars
best shoes we have ever had. love them
Was this helpful?