65° and Clear
The intricacies of protection a company applies to a clever, unique, and enviable design are clearly evident with Skechers, patented heel technology, Hands Free Slip-ins®.
This week US Patent 12,538,964 B2 was issued to Skechers. The list of inventors attributed to the design: John Maxwell Weeks, Los Angeles, CA (US); Scott Kelley, Redondo Beach, CA (US); Frank Chuang, Cypress, CA (US); Pei-Chun Liao, Torrance, CA (US); Johnson Tja, Foshan (CN); Hui Xie, Dongguan (CN); and Kurt Stockbridge, Palos Verdes Estates, CA (US)
Skechers Hands Free Slip-ins®, features patented heel technology allowing you to step in without bending or using your hands. Hands Free Slip-ins have an exclusive Heel Pillow™ that allow you to step in without bending over. Learn more about Slip-ins Technology.
Step In & Go: How Skechers Hands-Free Technology Works | SKECHERS | SKECHERS
The slip-in technology has been the subject of two lawsuits.
- 2024 Skechers filed a patent infringement lawsuit against Rockport/Authentic Brands Group over their Tristen Step Activated Slip On shoes infringe on Skechers' Slip Ins design patent
- 2025 Kizik filed a patent infringement lawsuit against Skechers, based on their patent for a shoe design with a stabilizer for hands-free wear
"Michael Greenberg, President of Skechers, stated, “The timing of this lawsuit is curious, coming on the heels of Skechers announcing a $9.42 billion merger with 3G Capital. Kizik asserts that, ‘at the heart of Skechers’ hands-free shoes’ are Kizik’s patented technologies, yet Skechers has been advertising and selling its Slip-ins since December 2021 without so much as a letter from Kizik." Skechers Responds to Kizik’s Patent Lawsuit | Skechers (about.skechers.com)
Skechers Patents include US 12,538,964 B2 Footwear heel counter for easier foot entry or removal. Assigned to Skechers U.S.A., Inc. II, Manhattan Beach, CA (US)
- Filed on Apr. 18, 2025, as Appl. No. 19/183,713.
- Application 19/183,713 is a continuation of application No. 18/199,250, filed on May 18, 2023, granted, now 12,419,386.
- Application 18/199,250 is a continuation of application No. PCT/US2022/046726, filed on Oct. 14, 2022.
- Claims priority of provisional application 63/256,521, filed on Oct. 15, 2021.
Skechers was established in 1992 by Robert Greenburg, founder of L.A. Gear. They are based in Manhattan Beach. According to they are the third largest footwear company in the world!
More News from Los Angeles
- Have Fun Learning the Art of Improv Comedy From an Expert Begins Feb 10th Do you aspire to do something artistic, but want to be sure you are in a supportive environment where you can explore your creative side? Think you’d like to try improv?
- Spa Squad Spa Squad events will primarily be held at San Fernando Valley Rescue Mission and Hope the Mission shelters. The monthly event will be held the second Saturday throughout 2026
