Athletes try sock tactics.

TOP athletes are ditching running spikes for a fivetoed sock as they bid for Olympic glory.

The new socks fit snugly around the foot and are designed to mimic the feeling of running barefoot.

The FiveFingers "running sock" has been introduced in Britain after proving popular with American track stars.

British sprinter Helen Pryer - a 200m specialist - already uses them in training.

Helen, who is coached by Olympic gold medallist Linford Christie, said: "They are really comfortable. I prefer them to flat shoes or spikes."

Harmony The sock is based on the idea that sports shoes can force athletes to adopt an unnatural running style.

The running socks force the athlete to land on the middle of the foot, rather than the heel, working in harmony with the body's natural balance.

Daniel Lieberman, a professor at Harvard University, said there was no evidence that running shoes were better for athletes.

He said: "Roger Bannister, who ran the first four-minute mile in spiked leather slippers, and countless others for millions of years did not seem to need running shoes."

CAPTION(S):

FAST MOVER: The sock