[bondiben]

Good morning/evening everyone,

I have a question regarding shoes. I have a pair of carbon plated nikes and a traditional pari of running shoes. Obviously i use the carbon plated shoes only for races and selected training sessions.

Does anyone konw the difference in performance between the shoes, I have not been able to find any reliable honest data.

Thanks
Ben

[leyla@8020endurance.com]

Ben,
Pretty good research out there now on the benefits of these shoes for many people. the average is 4% and more increase in running economy which is over 2% improvement in run time for the top runners in the world. Hence why there has been much debate around their use. Kipchoge broke 2 in a “illegal” pair of nike alphflys – so there is not doubt at this stage when looking for a mechanical advantage in running – carbon fibre plates deliver. There are still outliers with some runners getting no advantage (and in the case of the nikes I will say some runners get an increase in foot and ankle issues negating the benefits) and then some runners see up to almost 7% improvements in run efficiency. In triathlon – there are no rules on running shoes – so it comes down to what you can afford (given that the Alphafly runs for $275US). But on tired legs after swim and bike – hand me those vaporflys is my response.. 🙂

Here is a research paper to back my points above https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40279-020-01420-7

[bondiben]

Thanks so much for this. I guess that makes them a must have. I managed to get a pair from a friend who did not like them. I will ensure i have worn the a bit before race day.

ben

[bondiben]

would you sugeest doing a field test in them or normal shoes? sorry another question

[winoria]

I thought the rules on shoes was changed?

winoria

[winoria]

I would use the shoes you use for most of your training…

[leyla@8020endurance.com]

Ben I would not worry about testing specifically in the carbon shoes, just be sure to use them in your training as you get closer to any races so you are used to them.

You can find the latest approved shoe list (now applicable to Ironman events) here:
https://www.worldathletics.org/about-iaaf/documents/technical-information

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