Aaron Hope 
Nike Free gets a ton of attention in the ‘barefoot’ market, and though they beat Vibram’s FiveFingers to market by a few months, the latter’s ‘naked’ design was invented quite a bit earlier. Robert Fliri came up with the idea for this natural-as-can-be shoe design back all the way back in 1999, and in the years since the FiveFingers hit retailers in 2005, they’ve become something of a default with the cutting-edge fitness crowd. Vibram’s also known for licensing their superb insole cushions to other brands, but this new release from America’s running specialists marks the first time their flexible technology will find its home under another brand name. The New Balance ML71 introduces a unique flexible podular sole as part of NB’s Minimus collection, and this rasta-fied combination of suede, mesh and leather is sure to show up at your local CrossFit box as soon as they hit US retailers. Click through to see more angles on this ‘Rasta’ ML71 and stick with Sneaker News for word on their availability. via ST
