Abstract: A sport shoe is provided having a circular cleat array disposed about but not directly beneath the metatarsal joint of the great toe. The shoe sole also includes a flex area in the region of the metatarsal joints. This combination permits flexure of and cradles the metatarsal joints on impact. Furthermore, the sport shoe preferably includes a toe drag element defined forwardly and upwardly of the metatarsal cradle and on the interior edge as a lip extending onto and over a portion of the shoe upper. The toe drag element protects the material of the shoe from the effects of toe drag while minimizing any reduction in flexibility of the shoe.