Olympic gold medals have been won over the years by an Ethiopian running barefoot and by an American in nylon swim shorts.

Running shoes have evolved from rigid leather and hand-forged spikes to aerodynamic wonders with strategic seam placement and thermoregulation designed by NASA engineers. And while the new Speedo LZR Racer has garnered about as much attention as its endorser, Michael Phelps, athletes in just about every Olympic venue are searching for the latest high-tech gear to give them the slightest edge.