The news desk
On October 2, 2026, Marathon Handbook published an article exploring whether super shoes are harming runners. Using Sabastian Sawe's absence from the Berlin Marathon and Tigst Assefa's narrow finish as a starting point, the article suggests that aggressive super shoes with thick midsoles, extremely light weight, and high-angle "rocker" designs may be a potential factor. However, the author also notes that the two may not be connected, and random events can happen as well. At present, the discussion remains speculative, with no conclusion reached.
Marathon Handbook examines whether super shoes are hurting runners, using Sabastian Sawe's absence from the Berlin Marathon and Tigst Assefa's barely finishing as a starting point. It suggests that aggressive super shoes with thick foams, feathery weights, and highly angled "rockers" could be a factor, but notes the two may not be connected and that random events can also happen.