Bikila (Martín de los Heros)

When you walk through Bikila's doors you come into contact with the very essence of athletics. The business was founded in 1988 and takes its name from the legendary Ethiopian runner Abebe Bikila, twice winner of the Olympic marathon, who won the 1960 event in Rome running barefoot.

In line with this philosophy, Bikila is not just a sports shop but a place where athletics are the centre of attention. Running shoes are the key product but a range of other items for runners are available, including vests, shorts, bags,and caps.

Bikila is noted for the special care it devotes to customers, giving them personal advice so that they can buy the items that best match their needs. Before customers begin to choose shoes a technical analysis of their gait is carried out. Runners also have a Sport-Flex Mondo running surface on which they can test spikes and the shop stocks a range of specialist magazines and videos dealing with the world of running.

Customers can order any product on the market. Goods are available by post and there is an on-line sales service. There is even an athletics club sponsored by Nike for middle- and long-distance runners. Bikila also has a number of stores in other Spanish cities.