Abstract
BackgroundReducing the energetic cost of running seems the most feasible path to a sub-2-hour marathon. Footwear mass, cushioning, and bending stiffness each affect the energetic cost of running. Recently, prototype running shoes were developed that combine a new highly compliant and resilient midsole material with a stiff embedded plate.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to determine if, and to what extent, these newly developed running shoes reduce the energetic cost of running compared with established marathon racing shoes.Methods18 high-caliber athletes ran six 5-min trials (three shoes × two replicates) in prototype shoes (NP), and two established marathon shoes (NS and AB) during three separate sessions: 14, 16, and 18 km/h. We measured submaximal oxygen uptake and carbon dioxide production during minutes 3–5 and averaged energetic cost (W/kg) for the two trials in each shoe model.ResultsCompared with the established racing shoes, the new shoes reduced the energetic cost of running in all 18 subjects tested. Averaged across all three velocities, the energetic cost for running in the NP shoes (16.45 ± 0.89 W/kg; mean ± SD) was 4.16 and 4.01% lower than in the NS and AB shoes, when shoe mass was matched (17.16 ± 0.92 and 17.14 ± 0.97 W/kg, respectively, both p < 0.001). The observed percent changes were independent of running velocity (14–18 km/h).ConclusionThe prototype shoes lowered the energetic cost of running by 4% on average. We predict that with these shoes, top athletes could run substantially faster and achieve the first sub-2-hour marathon.
Highlights
Like the quest to run the first sub-4-minute mile [1], the possibility of running a sub-2-hour marathon has captivated the interest of the public, athletes, and scientists [2,3,4]
Compared with the established racing shoes, the new shoes reduced the energetic cost of running in all 18 subjects tested
Running shoes were developed that combine a new highly compliant and resilient midsole material with a stiff embedded plate. We showed that these newly developed running shoes reduce the energetic cost of running by an average of 4% compared with established marathon racing shoes
Summary
Like the quest to run the first sub-4-minute mile [1], the possibility of running a sub-2-hour marathon has captivated the interest of the public, athletes, and scientists [2,3,4]. The world record for the 42.2 km (26.2 miles) marathon is 2:02:57 and a 1:59:59 time would require running 2.5% faster. Three physiological parameters generally determine and predict the running velocity that can be sustained: the maximal rate of oxygen uptake (V_ O2max), the lactate threshold, and the energetic cost of running (running economy) [5, 6]. Running economy has traditionally been defined as the rate of oxygen uptake in mL O2/kg/min required to run at a specified velocity. If an athlete can lower their energetic cost to run at a specified velocity, they should be able to run faster with their existing physiological capacities [9]. Prototype running shoes were developed that combine a new highly compliant and resilient midsole material with a stiff embedded plate
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
