Nike's Radical New Olympic Riding Boot Design

When Nike unveiled new footwear for athletes in all 28 sports at the Olympic Games, one of its offerings prompted skepticism: an equestrian boot.

One rider opined on a Web site that it looks like "the stripper boot of the horse world."

U.S. Olympic rider Gina Miles wonders if wearing a swoosh might lead to lower scores in a sport that prides itself on centuries-old traditions.

And Nike archrival Adidas, which is also creating new shoes for the Games, said no to riding boots.

"We didn't feel we could come in with some meaningful innovation," says James Carnes, Adidas' creative director.