Abebe Bikila was a runner from Ethiopia who, running his first marathon won the Rome Olympics marathon on 10 September 1960 running barefoot without running shoes. He was a last minute addition to the Ethiopian team and the teams sponsor did not have enough time to organize running shoes for him and they had only two pairs left, of which neither was able to fitt him. He decided he would then run the race barefoot. At the subsequent Olympics in Tokyo in 1964, he again won the marathon, but did it this time wearing running shoes. He died in 1973 at the age of 41 from complications following a motor vehicle accident. Abebe Bikila is honored and revered in Ethiopia.
Abebe Bikila has a special place in the history of running, especially from those who advocate barefoot running as they hold him up as evidence that a marathon can be run barefoot. There was a fad a while back for doing away with running shoes and running barefoot. This was driven by a lot of websites, forums, books and social media commentary as something that was beneficial and better for runners. Lots of unsubstantiated claims was made for barefoot running, none of which stood up to subsequent scrutiny. This fad last a few years, probably peaking around 2013 with probably 25% of runners trying or dabbling it. The fad quickly dropped off when most who tried it got and injury or realized that it did not live up to all the claims that got made for it. It has now been relegated to the history books, with only a handful of hardcore barefoot runners still doing it.
There has been a lot of research done on barefoot running that those who like to support and advocate barefoot running offer as evidence that barefoot running was better than running in shoes. However, the research never showed that at all and was widely misinterpreted. All the research showed was that barefoot running was different to running in running shoes.
There were claims made that the first sub 2-hr marathon was going to be run barefoot. The folly of that claim is now obvious.
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- A wide toe box lets your toes spread and relax
- Produced using animal free products and processes
- Removable sockliner (insole) if you want a “more barefoot” feeling
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- Note, if between sizes, order next size down
- Note: We've updated the size chart on Nov 11 2024, please choose the right size according to your foot length
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- 【Zero drop】Zero Drop, non-elevated sole place the forefoot and heel flat on the ground to allows the feet , putting the feet in a neutral position and naturally adjusting the posture of the feet, back and body posture. Ensures proper posture and reduces stress on joints.
- 【Wide toe box】Barefoot shoes are designed with a wider than average toe box to provides ample space for toes a more active fit that allows your toes to splay into their natural posture，spreading and relaxing your forefoot.
- 【Removable insole】Our hike barefoot shoes men's Removable cushioned insoles is designed to support the arch of the foot and reduce the stress on the joints.if you want a "more barefoot" feeling，remove the insole for a better feel of the ground.
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- Reflective strip on heel counter,make sure safty during exercise at night
- The purpose of minimalist shoes is to give our feet maximum amount of freedom to move and function as if we are walking barefoot
- Roy M. Wallack (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 240 Pages - 05/01/2011 (Publication Date) - Fair Winds Press (Publisher)
- Spacious forefoot allows for natural foot movement and toe splay to empower your stride
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- Audible Audiobook
- Amy Harmon (Author) - Tavia Gilbert (Narrator)
- English (Publication Language)
- 03/26/2014 (Publication Date) - Tantor Audio (Publisher)
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