The only example of a fast barefoot runner that the barefoot movement can come up with is Abebe Bikila.

but didn't Bikila switch to using shoes after that shoeless win?

zola budd...

I don't know the answer to this, but does anyone know of any professional runners who weren't very good that ran barefoot?

tirunesh dibaba ran barefoot in her first world junior xc meet.

Bikila actually planned to run the 1960 olympic marathon in shoes but the ones the team provided were too small. He wore shoes in 1964 and beat his previous world record by about 3 minutes.

Haile also grew up running barefoot, has one of the most efficient strides I've ever seen with absolutely no heel strike and still switched to conventional shoes once he could afford them.

Quite a few kenyans ran barefooted in there childhood. I think why so many pros were shoes now is 1; because there just fitting in with everyone else and 2; a majority are sponsored by shoe companies. Many pros incorporate barefoot running in to there schedule every now and then to help with form and strengthening the legs/feet.

douglas burke wrote:

tirunesh dibaba ran barefoot in her first world junior xc meet.

good answer, any more? We have abebe bikila, zola budd, and tirunesh dibaba as the fast barefoot runners...

Can't believe anyone hasn't mentioned 1966 European champion and former WR holder at 3 miles - Bruce Tulloh.

The first white "Kenyan" - used to train there long before it was in vogue.

silly old fossil wrote:

Can't believe anyone hasn't mentioned 1966 European champion and former WR holder at 3 miles - Bruce Tulloh.

The first white "Kenyan" - used to train there long before it was in vogue.

Me again - forgot to add, Bruce was the first barefoot sub four minute miler - Wanganui 1965.

laxmack117 wrote:

Quite a few kenyans ran barefooted in there childhood. I think why so many pros were shoes now is 1; because there just fitting in with everyone else and 2; a majority are sponsored by shoe companies. Many pros incorporate barefoot running in to there schedule every now and then to help with form and strengthening the legs/feet.

OMFG you f***ing retard learn some f***ing English.

Impressive knowledge, what I was looking for. Anymore? Anyone who uses/used barefoot running during the peak of their career?

well could be wrote:

but didn't Bikila switch to using shoes after that shoeless win?

Yes he did. For his second gold medal he wore shoes and... actually ran FASTER with shoes. How is that even possible? I mean with all the barefoot folks saying that shoes are a gimic.

Don't all Kenyans and Ethiopians have to learn how to run in shoes just to compete?

Oldtimefan wrote:

How is that even possible? I mean with all the barefoot folks saying that shoes are a gimic.

What is your point man? Are you being constructive to the conversation? Go jerk off into your Nikes some more.

A Kenyan ran around 8:05 for the steeplechase when that was a world leading time.

I don't recall his name at the moment, but he was told to either wear shoes or he wouldn't be able to get in any big meets.

J.R. wrote:

A Kenyan ran around 8:05 for the steeplechase when that was a world leading time.

barefoot of course

ever watch or look at the photos from the World Cross Country Championship? There are plenty of barefoot runners in the lead pack, female and male. Every year if you look at the photos you will see several Africans running barefoot. They may not be the top Africans but they are plenty good, and would be considered great anywhere else! A couple of years ago they ran on very difficult course with rocks, cinders, and pot holes, yet had no problem running! I have always noticed several runners each year at the World XC championships running barefoot....if they are at the meet.......they are elite!.....Later some get shoe contracts and you will no longer see them barefoot.

maybe you are not looking close enough!....google the world xc championships....every year they are barefoot runners!

Lawrie Whitty used to run a lot of his races barefoot.

J.R. wrote:

A Kenyan ran around 8:05 for the steeplechase when that was a world leading time.

I don't recall his name at the moment, but he was told to either wear shoes or he wouldn't be able to get in any big meets.

Christopher Koskei.

I love that picture