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Athletics Kenya reversed its controversial barefoot elite tradition on July 25, 2025—mandating cushioned, minimalist shoes for all athletes under 18 in national competitions. The decision followed a Moi University study linking barefoot racing to 3.2x higher stress fracture rates in adolescents. Tradition must evolve when science speaks, said AK Medical Director Dr. Peter Kamau. The federation distributed 5,000 pairs of affordable, locally made shoes (KSh 800) via county offices. Elders were consulted, and symbolic barefoot moments (e.g., victory lap) were retained. World Athletics praised Kenya for leading athlete welfare reform.