The Nike Free trainers have established themselves as a solid choice for those that are looking for a near barefoot experience. The Free trainers come in a range of natural soles that give you that barefoot feel, from 3.0 being the more natural to 5.0 offering more support.

Their newest Nike Free Trainer 1.0 is Nike’s most natural and articulated sole unit, as the numerical system suggests. The Free 1.0’s barefoot-like sole means that it will make the muscles in your feet work the hardest but also give you the most effective training for your balance and full range of motion. Unlike other Free sole units, the Free Trainer 1.0’s rubber wraps up onto the upper to protect your feet from abrasion, while your midfoot gets the support it needs from the flywire cables and integrated laces.

You won’t get the traction or the protection you need from running around barefoot, but the Nike Free Trainer 1.0 will offer you the closest experience while keeping your feet supported and safe from harm’s way.