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Evolution of distance running shoes: performance, injuries, and rules
1Laboratory of Human Motricity, Expertise, Sport, Health, Côte d'Azur University, Nice, France - bermon@unice.fr.
The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness
|July 14, 2021
Summary
Advanced footwear technology (AFT) in running shoes, featuring thicker soles and stiff plates, has revolutionized distance running performance since 2016. This technology has led to numerous broken records, prompting an analysis of its impact and safety.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics of sport
- Sports engineering
- Exercise physiology
Background:
- Running shoe development historically prioritized protection and comfort.
- Recent innovations aim to enhance athletic performance, not just user comfort.
- Nike's 2016 launch of advanced footwear technology (AFT) marked a significant shift.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify performance enhancements in distance running attributed to AFT.
- To explore the biomechanical mechanisms behind AFT's performance benefits.
- To review the safety literature concerning both traditional and AFT running shoes.
Main Methods:
- Review of scientific literature on running shoe technology and performance.
- Analysis of performance data (personal bests, records) from 2016-2019.
- Examination of studies investigating the physiological and biomechanical effects of AFT.
Main Results:
- Significant improvements in running times and record-breaking performances across distances from 5km to marathon.
- AFT shoes, characterized by increased sole thickness, stiff plates, and concave outsoles, are linked to these gains.
- Emerging data suggests potential safety considerations (macro- and micro-traumatic injuries) with AFT use.
Conclusions:
- AFT has demonstrably enhanced distance running performance, altering competitive landscapes.
- Further research is needed to fully understand the long-term safety implications for elite and recreational runners.
- A proposal for a mechanical testing protocol is suggested to balance innovation with fair competition and runner safety.
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