Nike launches groundbreaking footwear designed for yoga and dance

Nike has designed the optimal footwear for dancing or yoga classes in a feminine style: the toes are left uncovered, enabling ease of movement and offering wearers the coveted barefoot feeling, but the sole is covered enough so as not to leave sweat marks on the mat. Dubbed Nike Studio Wrap, the new footwear will be available on Nike.com from February 2013.

The shoe blends neoprene with silicone in a design that guarantees shock absorption, comfort, breathability and stability. The main concerns when designing the shoe were traction and hygiene, according to the brand.

More than 30 prototypes were tested and finetuned in order to come up with the final design. The groundbreaking design Nike ended up with is a modular shoe made of three parts -- wrap, ribbon and flat (slipper) -- allowing various combinations.

Nike Studio Wrap will be available in February 2013 for $110 on Nike.com.