Deep flex grooves promote natural movement for a more barefoot-like feel.
The upper is made of thin, lightweight materials with minimal seams to enhance multidirectional flexibility for natural range of motion.
The low-profile design lets you feel closer to the ground, with a Phylite midsole that provides lightweight cushioning and enough durability to double as an outsole, dramatically reducing the overall weight of the shoe.
Breathable foam in the upper and internal support straps in the lateral forefoot and medial arch offer training-specific support.
Raised foam in the arch adds even more support where you need it.
The new comfort tongue lays flat on top of the foot and uses layers of sandwich mesh to help reduce lace pressure for a comfortable fit.
After learning that Stanford athletes had been training barefoot on the university's golf course, three of Nike's most innovative and creative employees set out to develop a shoe that felt natural and weightless, similar to bare feet. In 2002, they examined a group of men and women with pressure-measuring insoles taped to their feet, using high-speed cameras to capture images of each foot in motion.
The team spent eight years studying the biomechanics of shoeless running. The results yielded a profound understanding of the foot's natural landing angle, pressure and toe position, allowing Nike designers to build an unconventional and flexible running shoe from the inside out.
