Running Shoes Research Articles

Effects of the Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next% 2 shoe on long-interval training performance, kinematics, neuromuscular parameters, running power and fatigue

ABSTRACT We analysed the effects of the Nike ZoomX Vaporfly (VPF) on long-interval training performance, kinematic parameters, running power and fatigue compared to a traditional running shoe. Twelve well-trained men (mean ± SD: 32.91 ± 7.50 years; 69.29 ± 7.55 kg and 172.73 ± 5.97 cm) performed two long-interval training sessions (5 × 1000 m with 90s recovery period) 7 days apart, with the VPF shoe or a traditional running shoe (CON) in random order. The countermovement jump (CMJ) height was measured before and after the training sessions and heart rate, spatiotemporal parameters, running power and leg stiffness was measured during training sessions. Running-related pain was assessed prior and post-24 h of each training session. Long-interval training performance improved 2.4% using the VPF shoe compared to CON (p = 0.009; ES = 0.482). Step length, contact time and leg stiffness were higher (p < 0.05; ES = 0.51, ES = 0.677, ES = 0.356) while flight time was lower (p < 0.001; ES = 0.756) when using VPF. Running power decreased in a similar way in both conditions throughout the training session. Vertical power was significantly higher in the VPF condition (p = 0.023, ES = 0.388). CMJ height decreased in both conditions after training (4.7 vs. 7.2%, for the VPF and control, respectively, p < 0.001; ES = 0.573). Finally, the perceived muscle pain was influenced by the shoe model condition (chi-square 5.042, P = 0.025). VPF shoes improved the long-interval training performance with similar running power, heart rate and neuromuscular fatigue, and reduced subjective perceived muscle pain compared to regular training shoes. Highlights VPF shoe may improve long-interval training performance in trained runners with the same running power and heart rate. Lower subjective perceived muscle pain is found with VPF compared to the regular training shoes. This type of footwear may be used in high-intensity training sessions aiming to increase the training volume at higher intensities with lower associated fatigue.

Effects of Footwear Selection on Plantar Pressure and Neuromuscular Characteristics during Jump Rope Training.

This study examined what footwear type influenced plantar pressure and lower extremity muscle activations in jump rope training. Ten healthy physical-education graduate students participated in this study. The biomechanical parameters during the jump rope training were collected by an AMTI force platform, a Novel Pedar-X insole and a wireless electromyography (EMG) system. The results of the force platform indicate that vertical ground reaction force (vGRF) and contact time were much higher in the one-leg landing (both p = 0.001). The GRF, GRF (BW) and Lat MF pressure were significantly greater in the one-leg landing (p = 0.018, 0.013 and 0.027); the pressure of the Lat MF and H area were significantly greater in the volleyball shoe (p = 0.025, 0.031); the pressure of the Mid FF and Lat FF area were significantly greater in the jumping shoe (p = 0.005, 0.042). No significant difference in EMG was found between footwear and landing conditions. In summary, the running shoe and jumping shoe might be a better choice for people who exercise. However, the running shoe is recommended for people when both jumping and running are required.

Effects of modern military footwear on the oxygen costs of walking in US Army personnel

Warfighters complete strenuous physical activity on their feet throughout their military careers. While greater physiologic costs of walking have been demonstrated with older models of military combat boots versus running shoes, these quantitative differences may not be applicable for contemporary military footwear. The purpose of this study was to quantify and compare physiological responses to walking when wearing modern military combat boots versus running shoes. In this randomized, counterbalanced crossover experiment, 34 active military personnel (29 men and 5 women; age, 26 ± 7 years; height, 1.74 ± 0.08 m; body mass, 77.9 ± 15.1 kg) completed an incremental walking test (4.18–7.08 km.h−1) on separate visits in running shoes (mass, 0.6 ± 0.1 kg) and military combat boots (mass, 1.2 ± 0.3 kg). Oxygen uptake (V̇O2), carbon dioxide production (V̇CO2), heart rate (HR), respiration rate (RR), and metabolic energy expenditure (Ṁ) measurements were collected and averaged over the final minute of each walking speed. The oxygen costs of walking were 6–9% higher when wearing combat boots versus running shoes (p < 0.01 for each comparison). Other cardiorespiratory indicators of exercise intensity, specifically V̇CO2, Ṁ, HR, and RR, increased by 2.7–9.9% (p < 0.02 for each indicator). Walking in modern military combat boots incurs noticeably increased metabolic and cardiorespiratory strain as compared to walking in running shoes. These physiological consequences emphasize the trade-off between the intended versatility and protective characteristics of military footwear and the economy of traditional running shoes. This strain must be considered when selecting footwear to maximize warfighter health and performance during military exercise interventions.

Sensory Perception of Varied Shoe Masses in Running.

Studies on the sensory perception of mass mostly focus on the hands rather than the feet. The aim of our study is to measure how accurately runners can perceive additional shoe mass in comparison to a control shoe (CS) while running, and moreover, whether there is a learning effect in the perception of mass. Indoor running shoes were categorized as a CS (283 g) and shoes with four additional masses: shoe 2 (+50 g), shoe 3 (+150 g), shoe 4 (+250 g), and shoe 5 (+315 g). There were 22 participants in the experiment, which was divided into two sessions. In session 1, participants ran on a treadmill for 2 min with the CS and then put on one set of weighted shoes and ran for another 2 min at a preferred velocity. A binary question was used after the pair test. This process was repeated for all the shoes to compare them with the CS. Based on our statistical analysis (mixed effect logistic regression), the independent variable (ie, mass) did have a significant effect on perceived mass (F4,193 = 10.66, P < .0001), whereas repeating the task did not show a significant learning effect (F1,193 = 1.06, P = .30). An increase of 150 g is the just-noticeable difference among other weighted shoes and the Weber fraction is equal to 0.53 (150:283 g). Learning effect did not improve by repeating the task in two sessions in the same day. This study facilitates our understanding about sense of force and enhances multibody simulation in running.

Transitioning to Barefoot Running Using a Minimalist Shoe Intermediary: A Prospective Cohort Study.

The objectives of this study are, first, to investigate the probability of runners successfully transitioning from running in a traditional shoe to barefoot. Second, to identify prognostic indicators of failure of transition to barefoot running. Over 20 wk, 76 healthy runners (female, 40; age, 35.04 yr [SD, 8.9 yr]; body weight, 69.9 kg [SD 13.4 kg]) attempted to transition from running in traditional shoes to running barefoot. A minimalist shoe was used as an intermediary. Participants ran for 4 wk exclusively in provided traditional shoes followed by 4 wk of transitioning to minimalist shoes. This process was repeated to transition to barefoot running. Participants were followed up until they withdrew from the study or successfully transitioned to running barefoot. A survival analysis examined the weeks of successful transition. Along with sex and age, baseline measures of traditional shoe overall comfort, footstrike pattern, midfoot width mobility and plantar foot pressure pain threshold were examined as prognostic variables for failure to transition using Cox regression. The cumulative probability of successful transition to running barefoot was 70.8% (95% confidence interval [CI], 61%-83%). The primary footwear-related reason for withdrawal was pain, primarily in the foot ( n = 7), two runners had confirmed injuries. Runners exhibiting a rearfoot strike pattern and higher midfoot width mobility were more likely to fail to transition (hazard ratios [HR], 4.02; 95% CI, 1.33-12.16 and HR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.05-1.42). Most runners who wish to run barefoot will be able to transition. Our study indicates that there may be biomechanical and anatomical characteristics that are prognostic of failing to transition when using a 20-wk transition period and an intermediary minimalist shoe. Whether a different transition process increases the probability of a success remains to be seen.

Pedobarographic evaluation of five commonly used orthoses for the lower extremity

IntroductionOrthoses are designed to achieve immobilization or off-loading of certain regions of the foot. Yet, their off-loading capacity for the specific regions has not yet been studied. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze the plantar pressure distribution of five commonly applied orthoses for foot and ankle in a healthy population.Materials and MethodsFive orthoses (postoperative shoe, forefoot relief shoe, short walker boot, high walker boot, and calcaneus fracture orthosis) were compared pedobarographically using insoles on a treadmill to a ready-made running shoe in eleven healthy subjects (median age 29 years). Peak pressure, maximum force, force–time integral, contact time, and contact area were evaluated separately for the forefoot, midfoot, and hindfoot.ResultsThe forefoot relief shoe, the short- and high walker boot significantly reduced the peak pressure at the forefoot with no significant differences between these orthoses. None of the five orthoses off-loaded the midfoot, but the calcaneus fracture orthosis and the short walker boot instead increased midfoot load. For the hindfoot, the calcaneus fracture orthosis was the only device to significantly reduce the peak pressure.ConclusionsThis is the first study to investigate the specific off-loading capacities of different orthoses for specific foot regions in a healthy collective. The knowledge of absolute and relative load shifts for the different orthoses is of fundamental interest for targeted clinical decision-making of physicians.

Effect of Flat Running Shoes on Hip Kinematics in Male Recreational Runners.

Patellofemoral joint pain and iliotibial band syndrome are very common running-related injuries. Excessive contralateral pelvic drop, hip adduction, and hip internal rotation have been suggested to be associated with the two injuries. The purpose of this repeated measures and the cross-sectional study was to investigate the effect of flat running shoes on these kinematic variables compared with that of conventional running shoes with a 10 mm drop. Eighteen male recreational runners were recruited to run in flat shoes and conventional shoes with a 10 mm drop, in random order. Impact force data and lower extremity kinematics were synchronously obtained using two Kistler force plates and eight motion infrared cameras, whereas differences in the impact force and hip kinematics were compared using statistical parametric mapping. Regarding hip kinematics, the hip flexion (p = 0.004) and adduction angles (p = 0.004) decreased significantly at 30-70% and 62-85% of the stance phase, respectively, while wearing flat running shoes; the contralateral pelvic drop angle (p = 0.001) decreased significantly at 31-75% of the stance phase while wearing flat running shoes. The knee internal rotation angle (p = 0.035) decreased significantly at 8-17% of the stance phase while wearing flat running shoes compared with conventional running shoes. Given that these kinematic variables are associated with patellofemoral joint pain and iliotibial band syndrome, flat running shoes may have potential benefits for the prevention or treatment of knee injuries.

Just Do It: Analysis of Nike’s Marketing Strategies and Growth Recommendations

Nike is a global leader in the athleticwear industry, selling products for all ages, genders, and sizes. The company was founded in 1964 by runner and businessman Phil Knight and his track and field coach, Bill Bowerman, with the goal of creating the perfect running shoe. Since then, Nike has established the iconic Swoosh and “Just Do It” slogan globally. But how has Nike become so renowned, and how have marketing strategies given them an edge over their competitors? And is there anything Nike can do to grow further? The paper investigates Nike’s target consumers, their direct-to-consumer operations, their recent success in e-commerce due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Nike’s social media strategies, and consumers’ reasons to support the brand, ultimately understanding and analyzing the marketing strategies that Nike has implemented and their effectiveness. A key component of Nike’s marketing strategy is understanding their consumers: who they are, what they want, and how to best appeal to them. This has fostered Nike’s direct-to-consumer business (which has increasingly become digital in the role of e-commerce), their large social media presence (which increases their brand engagement and awareness), design innovation, strides in diversity, and more. In addition, the paper recommends that for Nike to boost growth, as Nike shifts their focus to e-commerce, they should focus particularly on emerging markets, which are growing markets that often grow faster than other markets. In addition, Nike should collaborate with more brands and personalities and release more styles to help them grow in the future.

Age differences in running biomechanics during footstrike between preschool children and adults

ABSTRACT This study aimed to compare impact loading between two age groups of preschool children (3–4 and 5–6 years old) and one group of young adults representing mature level of running skill (n = 15 per group). Three-dimensional biomechanical data were collected during running barefoot, in minimalist and running shoes. A two-way mixed ANOVA was performed to assess age and footwear differences in vertical instantaneous loading rate (VILR). An interaction was found in VILR. Older (5–6) preschoolers had 30–31% lower VILR than younger (3–4) (p = 0.012, d = 1.02; p = 0.001, d = 1.18) and adults had 51–77% lower VILR than younger preschoolers (p = 0.001, d = 1.85; p = 0.001, d = 2.82) in minimalist and running shoes, respectively. Additionally, adults had lower VILR than older preschoolers in running shoes (p = 0.001, d = 2.68). No differences were found between older children and adults in barefoot and minimalist shoes. Loading decreased with increasing age, particularly in minimalist and running shoes. Unchanged cadence and running speed did not explain the decrease of VILR during preschool age. The explanation likely underlies in lower limb alignment during footstrike and developmental ontogenetic changes.

The Effect of Maximalist Running Shoes on Impact Loading: A Critically Appraised Topic

Clinical Scenario: Running injuries are common in runners. The use of maximal cushioned shoes (MAX) has been suggested as a preventive measure for reducing impact loading and thus running-related injuries. Clinical Question: Do maximalist running shoes reduce impact loading compared to traditional shoes in runners? Summary of Key Findings: A search was performed for articles exploring MAX on impact loading in runners. Five articles were included in this critically appraised topic. All were case-controlled laboratory studies that compared the MAX to a traditional running shoe. None of the studies found a reduction in impact loading with use of the MAX. Clinical Bottom Line: Based on five case-controlled studies, a MAX does not reduce impact loading on level surfaces or downhill running. Based on mixed results, the MAX may increase impact forces during level and downhill running. Future research should include randomized controlled trials that assess impact forces after the runner has adapted to the MAX and after running ultradistances. Strength of Recommendation: In agreement with the Center of Evidence-Based Medicine, the consistent results from five Level III intervention studies designate that there is Level C evidence that MAX do not reduce impact loading during a single running trial.

Track Running Shoes: A Case Report of the Transition from Classical Spikes to “Super Spikes” in Track Running

Research on high-tech running shoes is increasing but few studies are available about the use of high-tech track spike shoes (super spikes), despite their growing popularity among running athletes. The aim of this case study was to investigate kinematics, kinetics, and plantar pressures of an Olympic running athlete using two different types of shoes, to provide an easy and replicable method to assess their influence on running biomechanics. The tested athlete performed six running trials, at the same speed, wearing a pair of normal spikes shoes (NSS) and a super spikes shoe (SSS), in random order. SSS increased contact time, vertical impact, and swing force (Effect Size 3.70, 7.86, and 1.31, respectively), while it reduced foot-strike type and vertical ground reaction force rate (Effect Size 3.62 and 7.21, respectively). Moreover, a significant change was observed in medial and lateral load, with SSS inducing a more symmetrical load distribution between the left and right feet compared to the NSS (SSS left medial load 57.1 ± 2.1%, left lateral load 42.9 ± 1.4%, right medial load 55.1 ± 2.6%, right lateral load 44.9 ± 2.6%; NSS left medial load 58.4 ± 2.6%, left lateral load 41.6 ± 2.1%, right medial load 49.2 ±3.7%, right lateral load 50.8 ± 3.7%). The results of this case study suggest the importance of using individual evaluation methods to assess shoe adaptations in running athletes, which can induce biomechanical modifications and should be considered by coaches to ensure optimal running performance.

Isolated effects of footwear structure and cushioning on running mechanics in habitual mid/forefoot runners

ABSTRACT The true differences between barefoot and shod running are difficult to directly compare because of the concomitant change to a mid/forefoot footfall pattern that typically occurs during barefoot running. The purpose of this study was to compare isolated effects of footwear structure and cushioning on running mechanics in habitual mid/forefoot runners running shod (SHOD), barefoot (BF), and barefoot on a foam surface (BF+FOAM). Ten habitually shod mid/forefoot runners were recruited (male = 8, female = 2). Repeated measures ANOVA (α = 0.05) revealed differences between conditions for only vertical peak active force, contact time, negative and total ankle joint work, and peak dorsiflexion angle. Post hoc tests revealed that BF+FOAM resulted in smaller vertical active peak magnitude and instantaneous vertical loading rate than SHOD. SHOD resulted in lower total ankle joint work than BF and BF+FOAM. BF+FOAM resulted in lower negative ankle joint work than either BF or SHOD. Contact time was shorter with BF than BF+FOAM or SHOD. Peak dorsiflexion angle was smaller in SHOD than BF. No other differences in sagittal joint kinematics, kinetics, or ground reaction forces were observed. These overall similarities in running mechanics between SHOD and BF+FOAM question the effects of footwear structure on habituated mid/forefoot running described previously.

A escolha do calçado por corredores amadores: caracterização e associação com o histórico de lesão auto reportada

ABSTRACT Running shoes are an essential element for sports practice. Evidence on the effect of the shoe characteristics and prescription in running injuries are scarce. Thus, this study aimed to investigate runners's process of choosing running shoes and to verify whether the variables related to running shoes and their selection process are associated with the presence and recurrence of injuries in the previous year. An observational study was conducted with 254 runners who answered a self-reported questionnaire about demographics, sports practice, shoe characteristics and selection criteria, and injuries in the last 12 months. The chi-square test evaluated whether there was a difference in the distribution of answers to each question. The logistic regression evaluated whether the variables related to shoes and selection criteria predicted injury’s presence and recurrence in the previous year. The results showed that most runners had specific shoes for sports practice and considered some characteristics of the shoes to choose them, including intermediate cushioning and a difference in the heel-to-toe drop of approximately 10mm. Most respondents indicated knowing their foot type but not considering it when choosing shoes. Besides, most individuals did not use foot orthotics and did not receive guidance to select their shoes. The model obtained with the regression was not significant. Therefore, despite considering shoe characteristics when choosing it, these features and the selection criteria were not associated with the presence and recurrence of injuries in the previous 12 months.

A comparison of the kinematics and kinetics of barefoot and shod running in children with cerebral palsy

BackgroundThe biomechanics of barefoot and shod running are different for typically developing children but unknown for children with cerebral palsy (CP). Such differences may have implications for injury and performance. AimsThe primary aims of this study were to compare the lower limb biomechanics of barefoot and shod running in children with CP, and to determine whether any differences were the same in GMFCS levels I and II. MethodsThis cross-sectional study examined 38 children with CP (n = 24 (GMFCS) level I; n = 14 GMFCS II), running overground at 3 speeds (jog, run, sprint) in barefoot and shod conditions. Marker trajectories and force plate data were recorded, and lower limb kinematics, kinetics and spatiotemporal variables were derived. Differences between barefoot and shod running were analysed using linear mixed models. ResultsFor both GMFCS levels, barefoot running resulted in higher loading rates, but smaller impact peaks at all speeds. Barefoot running was associated with greater hip and knee power; less ankle dorsiflexion and hip flexion at initial contact, and less ankle and knee range of motion during stance, compared to shod running, at all speeds. Barefoot stride length was shortened, and cadence increased compared to shod during jogging and running but not sprinting. For GMFCS level I only, barefoot running involved a higher incidence of forefoot strike, greater ankle power generation and less hip range of motion during stance. SignificanceRunning barefoot may facilitate running performance by increasing power generation at the ankle in children with CP, GMFCS level I. Higher barefoot loading rates may have implications for performance and injury.

The Implications of Sports Biomechanics Studies on the Research and Development of Running Shoes: A Systematic Review.

Although various sports footwear demonstrated marked changes in running biomechanical variables, few studies have yielded definitive findings on the underlying mechanisms of shoe constructions affecting running-related performance and injuries. Therefore, this study focused on examining the effect of basic shoe constructions on running biomechanics and assessing the current state of sports shoe production in terms of injury and efficiency. Relevant literature was searched on five databases using Boolean logic operation and then screened by eligibility criteria. A total of 1260 related articles were retrieved in this review, and 41 articles that met the requirements were finally included, mainly covering the influence of midsole, longitudinal bending stiffness, heel-toe drop, shoe mass, heel flare, and heel stabilizer on running-related performance and injuries. The results of this review study were: (1) The functional positioning of running shoe design and the target groups tend to influence running performance and injury risk; (2) Thickness of 15–20 mm, hardness of Asker C50-C55 of the midsole, the design of the medial or lateral heel flares of 15°, the curved carbon plate, and the 3D printed heel cup may be beneficial to optimize performance and reduce running-related injuries; (3) The update of research and development concepts in sports biomechanics may further contribute to the development of running shoes; (4) Footwear design and optimization should also consider the influences of runners’ strike patterns.

Towards a biomechanical understanding of performance improvement with advanced running shoes

Towards a biomechanical understanding of performance improvement with advanced running shoes

A Comparison Of Running Economy Across Seven Carbon-Plated Racing Shoes

Advancements in running shoe technology, particularly in the Nike Vaporfly, have been shown to improve running economy. Other brands have now also developed new, advanced shoes with a carbon-fiber plate and thicker, new midsole foams. However, none of these new shoes have been compared to the Vaporfly. PURPOSE: Compare the effects of 7 different carbon-plated shoes and 1 traditional racing shoe on running economy. METHODS: Seven carbon-plated shoes: Hoka Rocket X (Hoka RX), Saucony Endorphin Pro (Saucony EP), Nike Alphafly (Nike AF), Asics Metaspeed Sky (Asics MS), Nike Vaporfly 2 (Nike VF2), New Balance RC Elite (New Bal RC), Brooks Hyperion Elite 2 (Brooks HE2), and 1 traditional shoe: Asics Hyperspeed (Asics HS) were tested in 12 male runners (5 k best: 16.0 ± 0.7 min) on two visits. Shoes were tested in a random sequence over 8 x 5-minute trials (16 km‧hr-1; 5-minute rest between trials) on visit 1, and in the reverse/mirrored order for visit 2. Metabolic and running mechanics data were collected and averaged across visits. A repeated-measures ANOVA was used to compare dependent variables across shoe conditions along with follow-up pairwise comparisons. RESULTS: VO2 (ml‧kg-1‧min-1; % change from Asics HS) was significantly different across shoes. Hoka RX (51.67 ± 2.07; -0.08 ± 1.04%) and Brooks HE2 (51.42 ± 1.72; -0.53 ± 0.90%) did not differ from Asics HS (51.71 ± 2.02). While Saucony EP (50.93 ± 1.82; -1.48 ± 0.72%) and New Bal RC (50.99 ± 1.83; -1.37 ± 0.78%) were statistically better than Asics HS, they were inferior to Nike AF (50.13 ± 1.86; -3.03 ± 1.48%), Nike VF2 (50.29 ± 1.72; -2.72 ± 1.02%), and Asics MS (50.39 ± 1.71; -2.52 ± 1.08%). In terms of running mechanics, statistically significant differences were limited. However, cadence (steps‧min-1) was significantly lower in the Nike AF (174.6 ± 10.4) than the Asics HS (176.5 ± 10.3). CONCLUSION: Only the Nike AF and Asics MS matched the previously established Nike VF2 in running economy improvements. From these data, it appears the advantages conferred by new running shoe advancements are not fully shared across the competitive running shoe market.

The Impact of Footwear on Occupational Task Performance and Musculoskeletal Injury Risk: A Scoping Review to Inform Tactical Footwear.

The aim of this scoping review was to investigate the impact of footwear on worker physical task performance and injury risk. The review was guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews protocol and registered in the Open Science Framework. Key search terms were entered into five academic databases. Following a dedicated screening process and critical appraisal, data from the final articles informing this review were extracted, tabulated, and synthesised. Of 19,614 identified articles, 50 articles informed this review. Representing 16 countries, the most common populations investigated were military and firefighter populations, but a wide range of general occupations (e.g., shipping, mining, hairdressing, and healthcare workers) were represented. Footwear types included work safety boots/shoes (e.g., industrial, gumboots, steel capped, etc.), military and firefighter boots, sports shoes (trainers, tennis, basketball, etc.) and various other types (e.g., sandals, etc.). Occupational footwear was found to impact gait and angular velocities, joint ranges of motion, posture and balance, physiological measures (like aerobic capacity, heart rates, temperatures, etc.), muscle activity, and selected occupational tasks. Occupational footwear associated with injuries included boots, conventional running shoes, shoes with inserts, harder/stiffer outsoles or thin soles, and shoes with low comfort scores—although the findings were mixed. Occupational footwear was also linked to potentially causing injuries directly (e.g., musculoskeletal injuries) as well as leading to mechanisms associated with causing injuries (like tripping and slipping).

Running shoes for preventing lower limb running injuries in adults.

Running shoes for preventing lower limb running injuries in adults.

Effects of footwear with different longitudinal bending stiffness on biomechanical characteristics and muscular mechanics of lower limbs in adolescent runners.

Background: Running shoes with carbon plates have been identified to have positive effects on improving running performance from a biomechanical perspective. However, the specific difference between the effects of carbon plates with different longitudinal bending stiffness (LBS)on biomechanical characteristics and muscular mechanics of lower limbs in adolescent runners remains unclear. This study aimed to identify the difference in biomechanical characteristics and muscular mechanics in lower limbs during running stance phases between wearing shoes with low longitudinal bending stiffness (Llbs) and high longitudinal bending stiffness (Hlbs) carbon plates in adolescent runners. Methods: 10 male adolescent runners with a habit of daily running exercise (age: 13.5 ± 0.6 years; height: 166.3 ± 1.9 cm; bodyweight: 50.8 ± 3.1 kg; foot length: 25.4 ± 0.2 cm) were recruited and asked to conduct two times of tests by wearing shoes with Llbs and Hlbs carbon plates in a randomized order. Paired t-test and statistical parametric mapping (SPM) analysis were used to identify the difference in biomechanical characteristics and muscular mechanics in lower limbs during running stance phases. Result: Under the condition of wearing shoes with Hlbs, the time of foot contact significantly increased, whereas the range of motion (ROM) of hip and metatarsophalangeal (MTP) in the sagittal plane significantly reduced as well as the peak moment of ankle joint in the sagittal plane. The activations of vastus medialis, vastus lateralis, flexor digitorum brevis (flex dig brevis), and flexor hallucis longus (flex hall long) significantly increased under the condition of wearing shoes with Hlbs. According to the results of the SPM analysis, the joint angles (hip, ankle, and MTP), the net joint moments (knee, ankle, and MTP), and the muscle forces (gluteus maximus and tibialis anterior) were significant difference during the running stance phase between conditions of wearing shoes with Hlbs and Llbs. Conclusion: Running shoes with Llb carbon plates are appropriate for adolescent runners due to the advantages of biomechanical characteristics and muscular mechanics.