# Split-Toe Yoga Footwear Nike Free Gym Ensures Comfort During Mind-Body Workouts By Matt Ho | Published 2012-02-11 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nike-free-gym References: [freshnessmag](http://www.freshnessmag.com/2012/02/01/nike-free-gym/) & [nike](http://www.nike.com/) Basketball, soccer and football all have their individual footwear appropriate for each sport, and now yoga has the [Nike](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/air-rift-black-swan) Free Gym. The design has a [split-toe design](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nikeskims-air-rift-satin-pack) that will provide a more natural grip and bring better balance in the process. The outsole has deep groove flexes that gives it a [barefoot feel](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vivobarefoot-motus-strength-ii) with traction when the user puts it in use. If it's hot yoga you're in to, the natural fibers derived from volcanic rock will help absorb sweat and odor. The Free Gym is also designed to be worn without socks as well, so it's perfectly safe to go barefoot. It'll be interesting to see if Nike will expand on the Free Gym line. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.2/10 - Popularity: 92% | Activity: 86% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 30% men, 70% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Health](https://www.trendhunter.com/health) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Split-toe Footwear:** Split-toe design is a trend in the footwear industry that increases grip and balance during athletic activities. - **Natural Fiber Clothing:** The incorporation of natural fibers in clothing is a trend in the sports apparel industry that offers better sweat and odor absorption. - **Barefoot Training Equipment:** Barefoot-like designs in workout equipment is a trend in the fitness industry that mimics the benefits of training barefoot. ### Where This Applies - **Sporting Goods:** The sporting goods industry can capitalize on split-toe footwear for various athletic activities. - **Sportswear:** The sportswear industry can utilize natural fibers to create clothing with enhanced performance capabilities. - **Fitness Equipment:** The fitness equipment industry can design barefoot-like equipment for fitness enthusiasts who prefer training without shoes. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Toe-Shaped Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vibram-fivefingers-1.md) - [Ballet-Inspired Split-Toe Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/air-rift-black-swan.md) - [Split-Toe Sneaker Returns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/updated-air-rift.md) - [Summer-Ready Lightweight Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/free-forward-moc-2-n7.md) - [Mind-Activating Performance Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/Mind-001-And-002.md) - [Unisex Comfortable Perforated Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/yogeez.md) - [Athletic Tabi-Style Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fire-red-2.md) - [Sensory Performance Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mind-001-1.md) - [Flexible Barefoot Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flexible-barefoot-footwear.md)