Revolutionary Sneakers: Will GenZ Approve This New Fit?

It is the Target brand that with its new pair of sneakers, Ünos by Z, aims to prolong the life of shoes. These sneakers, in fact, "grow" together with the foot of the wearer

@Target

Well, there is one huge rule behind what makes teens cool-the so-called cool factor-and a fashion statement: they have to be heavily branded and trend-forward. So, the question is, will these innovative kicks pass the test of GenZ and continue to keep them stylish well beyond this season?

That’s why Target is launching a line of sneakers that actually grow with the wearer to extend the time they’re wearable before outgrowing them-a fittingly named ÜNOS by Sz, short for “U Need One Size”-designed to solve this very common problem that fast-growing kids and their parents alike face.

A smarter fit for growing feet

This extension is made possible by a split sole that allows ÜNOS by Sz to expand. This lessens the high pressure on parents to change shoes time and again for their fast-growing children. Target aims to solve the familiar problem of kids outgrowing shoes way before they wear them out. That sometimes leads to uncomfortable footwear when mum or dad may not notice the shoes are too tight.

One-of-a-kind build of ÜNOS by Sz

The sole for ÜNOS by Sz is two-part, divided by a Z-shaped channel, but connected with flexible materials. This allows the shoes to expand both in width and length while continuing to fit well. They can adjust up to half a size in the children’s version and up to a full size in larger models.

A potential eco-friendly advantage

Besides the comfort and durability issues, as a plus, there is a potential environmental benefit to the trend: fewer shoes end up in landfills. But like any trend, its ultimate success will come from the kids and teens themselves.

Courageous passenger lands plane safely as pilot suffers fatal heart attack

A flight from Las Vegas to Monterrey turned into a nightmare when the pilot fell ill. A brave passenger took control of the plane, guided by the control tower

@Canva

It became an action scene out of real life when the pilot in charge of the twin-engine Beechcraft King Air 90 had a heart attack on what was otherwise supposed to be a routine flight. Displaying rare poise, the plane’s only passenger coolly took over the controls and landed the aircraft with the help of instructions from the control tower.

The incident occurred on the Las Vegas-Monterrey flight. The aircraft was diverted to Meadows Field Airport in Kern County, California after the pilot suddenly collapsed.

Smooth sailing amid turbulent time: passenger takes over

As the situation on board grew more critical, the brave passenger stepped forward to take control. She handled her nerves-never having flown before-and followed instructions given by the Meadows Field control tower.

Kern County Airport Director Ron Brewster cheered the prescience of both the passenger and the staff on the ground. “We were able to alert the firefighters, ambulance, and everyone involved, so when the plane came to a stop, medical assistance was available within seconds”, Brewster told NBC.

Directed to safety

Audio of the incident, released by the Kern County Airport Authority, speaks to how taut those moments really were. The passenger continued to speak in a steady voice as she repeated back instructions from the control tower to bring the plane down at about 132 mph.

An unlikely story of heroism

The miracle incident instantly reminded one of other similar incidents where the passengers, untrained, had successfully landed planes, featured in programs such as the Discovery Channel’s “Mythbusters”. In cases of such an emergency, coordination with air traffic controllers is a must for achieving a safe landing.

A tragic ending

Heroically as the passenger had tried to be of service to save his pilot’s life, unfortunately, he did not live. He succumbed shortly upon admission to the hospital after the landing.