Upalee’s story begins with a simple but powerful act of love. Over 15 years ago, inventor Gregory Johnson set out to help his mother, who struggled with arthritis and found it painful to bend down and tie her shoes.
What started as a way to restore independence for one person became a technology that redefines freedom for everyone. From kids rushing out the door, to parents juggling busy lives, to travelers, professionals, and those facing mobility challenges — the ZeroTie Fit System transforms the way people connect with their shoes.
Years later, Alberto Álvarez Hernández — a third-generation Spanish shoemaker and footwear innovator — joined the mission as co-inventor. With deep technical expertise and a sharp design vision, Alberto refined and evolved the ZeroTie system, enhancing its mechanics, comfort, and manufacturability to meet the demands of today’s global market. His contributions breathed new life into the technology, transforming a brilliant idea into a practical, scalable solution.
At Upalee, we believe convenience should never come at the expense of comfort, quality, or design. Our shoes are not just “easy to wear” — they adapt, adjust, and move naturally with you.
