BAREFOOT-LIKE FEEL

The Nike Free 5.0 Younger Kids' Running Shoecombines a flexible outsolewith the cushioning, traction and support of a traditional running shoe. The result is the perfect balance of comfort and natural movement.

BENEFITS

Knit mesh upper for breathability

Flywire cables integrate with the laces to provide an adaptive, supportive fit

Traditional tongue construction cushions lace pressure

Minimal sockliner moulds to the foot's shape for added support and comfort

Hexagonal flex grooves wrap around the sidewall for natural range of motion

Waffle outsole lugs help absorb impact and add responsiveness

NIKE FREE ORIGINS

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.