The debate about the advantages/dangers of barefoot running may be raging on, but some have already made up their minds that barefoot is the natural choice and are forging ahead with the next generation of barefoot footwear. If you can call stickers that you wear on your bare soles "footwear."

Designed by Frieke Severs for Nike EMEA, Footstickers are just what they sound like. They cover the contact points of your feet and serve as a protective second skin. The rest of your foot is left to bend, conform and rebound like it's completely naked. Because a shoe shaped like a five-toed foot is still just a shoe--or at least that's what I'd imagine the tagline would look like.

Here's how the benefits of the design are described: "There are many advantages of bare feet sporting: better motion control, more feeling in your feet and direct floor contact, etc. In this way you are more grounded and more aware of your feet and movements. Its also a good training for stronger feet. But a disadvantage is the risk of injuries, you can easily twist or slip."

Different footstickers are optimized for different activities, such as yoga, training and cardio. Assuming that they'd be a cheaper than full on shoes (as they should be based on the dire lack of material involved), these could be a nice alternative to pair after pair of sport-specific shoes.

Unfortunately, this is a product concept and not yet on the market. Fortunately, there are currently some very good "barefoot" running shoes available.

SEE ALSO: Try These 5 Great Barefoot Running Shoes

Behance via Wired