Nike Free Running Shoes

Nike Free is a technology invented by Tobie Hatfield at Nike, Inc. and developed in conjunction with Gerard Hartmann and incorporated into some of their athletic shoes. Nike Free attempts to simulate barefoot running while wearing a shoe.

As Nike Free allows the muscles in the foot to gain strength by providing less constriction, runners are advised to gradually break into the shoe rather than immediately running long distances as to prevent muscle cramps and other discomforts, such as the notorious shin splints.