A new barefoot training shoe that has been designed specifically for the gym has been unveiled by adidas.
According to the sportswear brand, the adipure Trainer - with an independent toe separation design - is the first of its kind and has a quarter-inch minimalistic profile to improve agility, balance and speed during workouts.
Canadian professional ice hockey player Mike Cammalleri has been signed up to promote the new footwear, with plans to unveil a complete line of shoes and apparel in the range, along with a dedicated strength and conditioning program.
Commenting on the shoe, Athletes' Performance founder Mark Verstegen, who worked as a consultant on its design, stated: "A lot of engineering went into making your foot a high performance machine.
He pointed out that employing natural power and movement through the foot will help to activate and strengthen a range of muscles.
"The adipure Trainer has helped me recover faster because the muscles in my legs and feet are getting a more intense workout. My balance is better and my legs feel stronger," stated Cammalleri, who is featuring in a 30-second television and digital advert, as well as appearances in stores across Canada.
Adidas recently announced that it has signed the first sponsorship deal for 2013-16 with the British Olympic Association (BOA), with the brand continuing a 28-year partnership with the organisation.
The tier one BOA deal will see adidas receive Team GB advertising rights in exchange for providing all the sportswear requirements for athletes and officials taking part in the Rio 2016 Olympic Games and the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games across all sports, in addition to non-competition clothing for youth festivals and games.
Andy Hunt, BOA chief executive and chef de mission of Team GB for London 2012, said he was "delighted" to have secured the agreement with adidas for the next quadrennial, adding the company is its longest-serving partner.