ATHLETICS When marathon glory beckons, who truly deserves spotlight?

Hannah Borenstein's research reveals how super shoes influence marathon running while emphasizing the athletes' dedication over their footwear.

When Tigst Assefa and Kelvin Kiptum shattered marathon records in 2023, the world marveled at their extraordinary achievements.

But it was not just their speed and endurance that drew attention; it was the cutting-edge super shoes they wore that stole the spotlight. 

As the running world buzzed with debates about the revolutionary footwear, it became easy to overlook the years of grueling training, dedication, and the incredible skills these elite athletes possess. 

In the midst of this ongoing shoe frenzy, it is crucial to remember the remarkable journeys and sacrifices made by the Ethiopian and Kenyan runners who have become world-beaters. 

To truly understand the impact of these "super shoes" and the marathon world, Pulse Sports delves into the research of anthropologist Hannah Bronstein, shedding light on the inequalities, misconceptions, and untold stories that define the world of long-distance running.

The minimalist running boom

In 2015, as an American researcher struggling with plantar fasciitis, Hannah Bronstein embarked on a journey to Ethiopia to study women runners. Her quest for relief led her to a grass field, where she attempted barefoot jogging. 

The local runners were puzzled, questioning the safety of running without shoes. "Most runners I met around this time in Ethiopia were trying to get better, more-cushioned footwear. However, the shoe market in the U.S. indicated Ethiopians were “naturally” good at running because they sometimes ran barefoot," she wrote.

This period marked the heyday of minimalist running, fueled by Christopher McDougall's bestseller "Born to Run." The book romanticized the Tarahumara tribe's barefoot running in Mexico and implied that ditching shoes could prevent injuries.

Vibram's introduction of FiveFingers and other companies marketing low-stack height shoes further fueled the minimalist craze. Regrettably, it also reinforced stereotypes that African runners, who dominated long-distance races for decades, owed their success to running barefoot and their supposed biological advantage.

The emergence of super shoes

Fast forward to 2016 when Nike initiated the Breaking2 project, with the audacious goal of breaking the two-hour marathon barrier. 

The project featured elite African runners, chosen for their exceptional "running economy," a measure of running efficiency. 

In 2017, Nike hosted the first attempt in Italy, providing the athletes with the Nike Vaporflys, which boasted a carbon fiber plate and specialized ZoomX foam—a far cry from minimalist shoes.

The Vaporflys were revolutionary, with claims of improving running economy by up to four percent. Critics labeled it "technodoping" or "shoe doping." As marathon winners increasingly spotted Nike shoes, social media fixated on their footwear rather than their achievements. 

The narrative shifted towards the shoes, overshadowing the athletes' intense training regimens and the support systems behind them.

The arrival of these super shoes on the market triggered a buying frenzy, with stores quickly running out of stock. Resale prices soared, making them inaccessible to many. 

For East African runners, especially those without sponsorship, obtaining these shoes became a challenge, adding psychological pressure to an already competitive environment.

Fetishizing the shoes

In 2019, the running world witnessed Eliud Kipchoge's historic sub-two-hour marathon in Vienna. While celebrating this monumental feat, many Ethiopian runners shared their anxiety about accessing these new shoe models.

 For up-and-coming athletes, the struggle to obtain the latest shoes was real, with logistical hurdles and unfair contracts creating additional barriers.

The super shoes have undoubtedly opened doors for successful runners, enabling them to earn substantial sums. 

A typical sponsored runner might receive an annual cash payment of $20,000 (Ksh3.1 million), plus shoes and merchandise. 

In contrast, Ethiopia's per capita gross national income barely exceeds $1,000 (Ksh157,445) per year. This stark disparity highlights the immense challenges faced by aspiring East African runners, who earn around $50 per month from their clubs.

It is essential to acknowledge that the breakthroughs in marathon running, such as Tigst Assefa's astonishing record, were made possible by these athletes who wear the super shoes.

However, it is crucial not to let the shoes eclipse the stories of dedication, sacrifice, and perseverance that define their journeys. 

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