Improved footwear for physical exercise, such as running or jogging, in which a segment of the shoe extending beneath the third, fourth and fifth metatarsal-phalangeal joints on the lateral side of the shoe is comprised of a crepe or spongy rubber material, which is substantially more flexible than the material which comprises the remainder of the solepiece. This configuration reduces the resistance of the solepieces to the flexure of the foot along the third, fourth and fifth metatarsal-phalangeal joints, thereby reducing the stress on the corresponding foot muscles and allowing the stronger foot muscles which operate the first and second metatarsal-phalangeal joints on the medial side of the foot to do most of the work in flexing the foot during the running motion. As a result, the weaker muscles in the lateral side of the foot are not overly stressed and the direction of motion of the foot at the toe lift-off is substantially in the desired direction of running. In another aspect of the invention, an orthodic piece which is custom fit to the individual runner is provided to counteract foot problems, such as, for example, over-pronation, supination and high arch. The orthodic piece may be disposed inside the shoe or, alternatively, may be disposed between the bottom of the upper portion of the shoe and the midsole.