Why Nike's Latest Shoe May Be the Next Big Thing

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Nike kicked off this year with an innovative release that was neither basketball nor running. This unconventional looking shoe or “wrap” is built to equip athletes headed to their next pilates, yoga, or barre class, protecting bare feet and providing grip on slippery studio floors, a seemingly simple solution for this ever-growing category.

At first glance, the Nike Studio Wrap looks like a sophisticated version of a wrapped foot, complete with grippy heel and forefoot pads. As with most compression apparel or avante garde design, you have to try it out for yourself to test its performance benefits. So Sneaker Report headed to the studio.

RELATED: FIRST LOOK: Nike Announces the Studio Wrap
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While the padded heel, anatomical fit, and rubber surface for extra grip looks engineered for instant performance on the studio floor, the first step to properly utilizing your Wraps is feeling comfortable and agile. This may take some time as with any other shoe, as the sensation of exposed toes and a well-cushioned heel is not a familiar one. Once you’ve wiggled your toes and attempted some stretches, the Wrap should start to feel like a gel-enhanced, grippy extention of your own feet.

After getting used to the pseudo barefoot experience, these are the perfect option for frequent students as they will protect your heels and balls of the feet with the traditional compression / deflection technique of cushioning and support. The grosgrain ribbon option leads you to believe these could be used for dance classes as well, but the rubber dots underfoot prevent wearers from sliding and spinning, so keep these in your yoga bag. The suggested wear for the Studio Wrap is any variety of barre, yoga, or pilates classes where students crave more support without abandoning that barefoot feeling.

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If you are looking for something a little more inconspicuous and cozy, you may want to consider this grippy sock from Gaiam, as even Nike’s creation in black is sure to draw some attention. And as that’s not enough, word on the street is Nike has already made prototypes of pattern and print encrusted versions of the Wrap. Class favorites rejoice.

Why this shoe may be a sign of the next big thing lies in the fact that every sport is getting their own activity specific shoe like never before. Just look at the Spring 2013 lineup across brands and you'll notice that we're past the point of positions within a sport receiving custom kicks, now unconventional sports like paddle boarding, mud racing, and every type of climbing now has a shoe. So while you might not be apt to slip into this pair from Nike, you can count on this as a sign of things to come from your favorite footwear brands.

$110