Running shoe technology is getting better every day, and both amateur and competitive runners are turning to these technologically-advanced footwear options to see if they can shave some seconds off their personal best. But what if we could tell which runners stand to benefit the most from these super shoes before investing in these expensive options? A recent study sought to understand if we could predict which runners would benefit most from super shoes.
Super Shoe Study
For the study, researchers recruited 64 runners – 32 men and 32 women – between the ages of 14 and 72. Each runner completed two six-minute treadmill trials in a carbon-plated super shoe and two in a non-plated control shoe, all at 70% of the speed associated with their VO2 peak. Researchers also measured a number of physical factors, like:
- Lower-leg strength
- Achilles tendon stiffness
- Hamstring stiffness
- Foot posture
- Arch flexibility
- And more
Researchers were hoping that runners with certain physical characteristics would have a noticeable gain in running ability compared to others with different physical traits, but that’s not where the results led them.
The team did find some encouraging results when it came to a runner’s individual running economy. On average, the advanced shoe improved running economy by 4.13%, and 53 of the 64 runners improved by at least 2.5%. However, the prediction aspect of the study was less fruitful. Researchers found that runners who cleared the 2.5% threshold had greater hamstring stiffness, calf-muscle stiffness and navicular drop, but together, nearly 80% of the runner-to-runner response could not be explained by their individual characteristics or the researchers’ model.
So while we can’t yet figure out who is likely to benefit the most by switching to a super running shoe, the good news is that most people would see some running economy improvement. However, as we’ve discussed in the past, switching to a new running shoe can change how stress is dispersed across your foot and ankle, so it’s always wise to take things slow and gradually build up your mileage when transitioning to a new running shoe. A super shoe may help you run a little faster, but there’s no guarantee that it can better protect you from injury, so make sure your running shoes are comfortable and supportive of your natural foot shape.
For more tips on picking out the right running shoe, or for assistance overcoming a different foot or ankle injury, reach out to Dr. Silverman and his team today!