In 1960, on the streets of Rome, the world witnessed a historic feat: Abebe Bikila, an Ethiopian runner, won the gold medal in the Olympic marathon, barefoot.

This epic feat, in addition to marking a moment of glory for African sport, served as a reminder of the power of resilience, connection to the land and the pursuit of authentic performance.

More than six decades later, the 2024 Olympics in Paris are approaching, and Bikila’s story resonates with renewed force.

In the era of high-performance sneakers and materials to reduce impact, #barefoot stands in contrast, proposing a return to the roots of human movement, seeking to respect the sensation of running barefoot.

This trend, on the rise in the world of running, finds in the figure of Abebe Bikila an inspiring symbol, uniting tradition and modernity in the pursuit of high performance.

Bikila and barefoot sneakers

Just as Bikila challenged the conventions of the time by running barefoot, barefoot sneakers propose a break with traditional sports footwear models.

Both represent a search for authenticity, natural performance and connection to the land.

• Connection to the earth:
  Bikila, used to running barefoot on the uneven terrain of Ethiopia, found an advantage in the absence of sneakers: greater sensitivity to the surface, allowing for fine adjustment of the step and better proprioception.
  
  Barefoot sneakers, with their thin and flexible soles, seek to reproduce this connection with the earth, providing greater proprioception and sensory feedback.

• Performance:
  Adidas, which was an official sponsor of the Olympics at the time, had only a few pairs of shoes for Bikila to choose from, as sneakers were not his thing. After trying them all on, he made a decision that would change his life forever: he decided to run barefoot, the way he had been used to training in Ethiopia.
  
  Barefoot sneakers, in turn, seek to offer similar benefits: lightness, flexibility and a more natural movement of the foot, which can lead to better performance in some runners.

• Authenticity:
  Bikila's choice to run barefoot was an affirmation of her identity and culture.
  
  He ran in the way he felt most comfortable and natural, without submitting to the expectations of the time.
  
  Barefoot tennis also represents a search for authenticity, encouraging runners to experience new sensations and connect with their bodies in a more natural way.

Benefits of barefoot tennis for athletes

The benefits of barefoot sneakers for athletes - especially in the Olympics - are numerous and proven by scientific research:

✔️ Improved proprioception and balance: the barefoot experience improves the body's ability to position itself and react to changes in the terrain, essential for sports that require precision and agility.

✔ Muscle strengthening: When running barefoot, the muscles in the feet and ankles are recruited more intensely, leading to an increase in strength and stability.

✔ Reduced injuries: The natural posture and free movement of the feet reduce the impact on the joints, preventing common injuries in runners.

✔ Greater energy efficiency: The improved biomechanics of barefoot running can lead to more efficient running, reducing energy expenditure and optimizing performance.

✔ Natural terrain feel: Direct contact with the ground provides a more precise perception of the surface, allowing better adjustments in stride and running technique.

The adoption of barefoot sneakers in the Olympics can have a significant impact on athletes' performance, providing competitive advantages in several sports.

• Athletics: Short and long distance races, field events and marathon.
• Football: Greater ball control, agility and change of direction.
• Water sports: Surfing, swimming, stand-up paddleboarding.
• And much more!

Preparation for the 2024 Olympics

With the 2024 Olympics approaching, the search for performance and innovation intensifies.

Barefoot sneakers are a promising option for some runners, who are looking to explore the benefits of barefoot running with the protection and comfort of footwear.

However, it is important to note that barefoot running shoes are not suitable for all runners.

It is essential to consult a physical education professional or physiotherapist specialized in running to assess whether this option is suitable for you and to guide you on the correct way to use it.

As feet have many joints and muscles, after years of being squeezed into tight shoes they undergo a process of deformation, preventing them from developing correctly and weakening their muscles.

It is important to take into account each person's physical condition, age, whether they already have the habit of walking barefoot, whether they have worn a lot of tight shoes, and so on.

An example of those who suffer a lot with altered feet are women, who wear heels and shoes with super tight toes.

So, start using #barefoot slowly. Every day, stand with your feet on the ground without shoes and gradually increase the use each day.

Observe how your body responds to these stimuli. Just 30 minutes a day with your feet on the ground will help you feel the difference, both in terms of touch and footsteps.

During this process, you will notice that your feet are wider and your toes have more space, which is completely normal as they are returning to their natural shape.

Your Barefoot Is Here

FOT is a brand passionate about movement and freedom of the feet.

.The pioneering spirit and expertise of Fábio Jesus, CEO of FOT and Master in Physical Education and Physiology Applied to Human Performance, was responsible for the production of the first barefoot tennis shoe in Brazil.

During a study and research trip to Connecticut, in the United States, Fabio Jesus worked with a professional hockey coach and observed that the athletes had flat feet, but with high mobility. This was due to the skate boots they had to wear to play.

The process of developing the brand and sneakers then began, becoming a national reference in barefoot.

“I noticed that the coach talked a lot about the condition of the athletes’ feet and that wearing barefoot sneakers was one of the ways to strengthen the muscles so that the feet wouldn’t get worse during the season”

Through many studies, tests and improvements, today the brand is able to provide incredible experiences for its customers.

And it goes further.

Barefoot tennis reconnects you with your nature and teaches you to live freely, normally and naturally.