Study explores super shoe benefits for female runners
University of Gloucestershire research reveals performance gains with carbon-plated shoes
The University of Gloucestershire is conducting a pioneering study evaluating the differences between carbon-plated 'super shoes' and regular trainers for female runners.
This research aims to address the historical underrepresentation of female athletes in sports science and seeks to understand why carbon-plated shoes may confer performance benefits, particularly under fatigue conditions.
The study compares two Nike models: the Alphafly 3, known for its energy-conserving rigid carbon plate, and the Pegasus, a heavier and more flexible shoe requiring greater force to propel forwards.
Participants attended the university's Oxstalls Campus for test sessions where they ran in each shoe model across varying intensities.
Preliminary findings indicate that women ran longer distances in the Alphafly 3 than in the Pegasus, averaging over 20 minutes compared to 13 minutes.
Additionally, the Alphafly 3 showed improved exercise economy, as participants demonstrated lower oxygen uptake per kilometre.
Simon de Waal, Senior Lecturer at the University, said: “We found that while all athletes responded better to the Alphafly than the Pegasus, there was some inter-individual variability in the magnitude of the benefit both in terms of total time/distance completed and exercise economy. For example, some women ran only half the amount of time in the Pegasus as they did in the Alphafly, whereas others ran almost 90% of the time in the Pegasus as they did in the Alphafly. We’re now investigating why that might be – whether it’s related to biomechanics, muscle efficiency, or other individual traits.”
Further data analysis will delve into the reasons behind the enhanced efficiency of carbon-plated shoes, potentially linked to biomechanics, muscle efficiency, and individual traits.
Professor Athanassios Bissas commented on the collaborative nature of the project, involving a team of academic staff, technical specialists, and students, along with international expertise from Professor Neil Cronin from Finland.