Abstract: A shoe for running, cross training and the like includes a base member including a raised front portion and a rearwardly extending sole portion. A U-shaped spring is disposed beneath the raised portion. The spring has tranvsersely extending ends engaging the front portion at respective longitudinally spaced locations. A sole spring element is affixed to the front portion of base member and includes a flexible part overlying, and extending rearwardly beyond, the sole portion of the base member. The flexible part of the sole spring element is disposed at an acute, non-zero angle with respect to the sole portion of the base member.