BAREFOOT-LIKE COMFORT The Nike Free 5.0 (2c-10c) Toddler Boys' Shoe is made with deep hexagonal flex grooves in the Nike Free midsole for natural flexibility with every step. Benefits Lightweight woven mesh upper for breathability Nike Free midsole doubles as an outsole for lightweight cushioning, durability and reduced weight Deep hexagonal flex grooves for a natural, barefoot-like ride No-sew overlays throughout provide support and durability without added weight 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.