Au naturel athletic shoes

Shape, Oct, 2004 by Sarah Bowen Shea

Ever reminisce about running around barefoot as a kid while you're pounding out miles on the treadmill? Nike takes you back to that more carefree time with the introduction of two shoes that mimic exercising barefoot; the athletic-shoe maker claims that both help your feet become stronger and ultimately improve performance.

The women's Free 5.0 runner and Free Mid 5.0 cross-trainer ($90 each) feature lots of small slits in the seamless synthetic-leather upper, which allows the shoe to move with your foot, not rub against it. The soles have numerous flex grooves so they bend easily with extra grooves under the toes for improved movement. And you'll still get great support (although if your foot rolls excessively inward, these options aren't your best).

"Some shoes are so over-constructed, it's like putting cement blocks on your feet," says Doug Richie, D.P.M., president of the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine and a podiatrist in Seal Beach, Calif. "Allowing some natural motion can be desirable for most feet. These shoes could make the foot and leg more aware of the environment and able to react to it, allowing you to be more stable and coordinated." For more details, log on to nike.com/nikefree.