The Nike Free 3. 0: Supreme flexibility for a barefoot-like rideThe Nike Free 3. 0 Men's Running Shoe is the closest to barefoot that Nike has offered to date. Designed for flexibility and foot strengthening, it also delivers the underfoot protection and traction of a shoe. BenefitsMany deep flex grooves for our most natural strideMesh inner sleeve for a sock-like fitSeamless upper for lightweight support where you need itWeight: 7. 2 ounces (men's size 10) FitThe Nike Free 3. 0 has a full inner sleeve made of mesh for a sock-like fit that hugs the foot yet still allows for easy on and off. The seamless, composite upper features larger perforations for more flexibility where it's needed and smaller ones in areas that demand more support. Flexibility Flex grooves along the length and width of the midsole enhance flexibility and help maintain stability, while diagonal grooves through the arch enhance flexibility and help increase foot strength. The low-profile midsole doubles as an outsole, dramatically reducing overall shoe weight. OriginsAfter 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, simulating 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. Additional DetailsReflective Swoosh design trademark for enhanced visibility in low lightMinimal, molded sockliner that conforms to the foot's curves for enhanced fit, comfort and supportStrategically placed carbon rubber for durabilitySolid-rubber pods at the medial toe for durability and tractionWaffle outsole for traction, durability and a more neutral, efficient toe-off
