Nike Spring-Summer 05 Part 1 Nike Free In fact, several world-class runners, most notably the Kenyans, train and compete without footwear. In addition, barefoot exercise has been incorporated into many athletes’ training to condition the feet and strengthen many of the foot muscles that can become weak due to the use of shoes. With that in mind, Nike researchers and designers took to developing a shoe that worked most naturally with the foot and would simulate the experience of being barefoot. Words and images are copyrighted. Please do not use without written permission. © 2004 Freshness Creative Corp. Freshnessmag.com