Run S.M.A.R.T.
Menu
Login
  • Custom Training Plans
  • Private Coaching
  • Dr. Jack Daniels
  • Running Calculator
  • Coaching Staff
  • News & Updates
  • Contact Us

Science on the Run: Running Shoes And The Law Of Diminishing Returns

March 12, 2015 By Run S.M.A.R.T. In Biomechanics /  2

Untitled

Linking current research to running

By Nikki Reiter

Every once and a while, a wonderful little thing happens. A researcher decides to do a systematic review of a topic and then presents their findings in a paper. I get a little excited when the topic pertains to running.

Recently, a team of researchers reviewed how footwear could affect running performance and economy. Since running economy (RE) is a commonly accepted way to discuss distance running performance, it would be great to know the general consensus amongst publications about the effect of footwear selection on running performance and RE.

While you may not have thought you were getting an economics lesson, I found most interesting the reporting of the effect of barefoot versus lightweight shoes on running economy (see below). Similar results were published in a clever study after the researchers did their study search.

Here’s how it went:  Over 1000 articles related to footwear and RE were identified, and 19 were selected for the review. No studies pertaining to effect on running performance directly were found.

The result:  Some characteristics of footwear, including greater cushioning, greater shoe stiffness and greater shoe comfort were associated with trivial and small improvements in RE. It was also found by meta-analysis that running in light shoes (combined mass of < 440 g) or barefoot, reduced metabolic cost compared with running in heavy shoes. Interestingly, there was no difference in metabolic cost between running in light shoes and running barefoot.

What this means:  RE can be affected by footwear. Also, there was no improvement in RE for running barefoot as compared to in light shoes. Also, it is confirmed that the heavier the shoe, the greater the metabolic cost to running.

A final comment:  Most of the studies reviewed looked at the acute effects of RE in the respective shoe type; however, it’s very likely that most individuals adapt their running style over time if they switch to a very different running shoe (consider a transition from a stability shoe to a minimalist shoe). With more time and practice in a new shoe, running economy will improve. Thus, it would be ideal to investigate this running shoe-RE relationship after a familiarization period.

So, maybe not any breaking news, however, it’s worthwhile to note that although no research was identified that directly related footwear to running performance, RE does give a good indication of potential distance running performance. It’s important to highlight the gap in the literature – and hopefully someone will address it soon!

—

Nikki Reiter is a Biomechanist and certified NCCP Performance Coach in Endurance Running. She offers online gait analysis through Run Right Gait Analysis. Visit her website www.run-right.ca for more information.

Tags:
footwearheavy shoesNikki Reiterrunning barefootrunning economyrunning shoesScience on the Run
Antony Scott Is On A Mission For Sub-3
Running While Breastfeeding: Helpful Tips For Competitive Mamas

Archives

  • November 2020
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • April 2020
  • March 2020
  • October 2019
  • September 2019
  • August 2019
  • May 2019
  • April 2019
  • March 2019
  • February 2019
  • December 2018
  • November 2018
  • October 2018
  • September 2018
  • July 2018
  • June 2018
  • May 2018
  • April 2018
  • March 2018
  • February 2018
  • January 2018
  • December 2017
  • November 2017
  • October 2017
  • September 2017
  • August 2017
  • July 2017
  • June 2017
  • May 2017
  • April 2017
  • March 2017
  • February 2017
  • December 2016
  • November 2016
  • October 2016
  • September 2016
  • August 2016
  • July 2016
  • June 2016
  • May 2016
  • April 2016
  • March 2016
  • February 2016
  • January 2016
  • December 2015
  • November 2015
  • October 2015
  • September 2015
  • August 2015
  • July 2015
  • June 2015
  • May 2015
  • April 2015
  • March 2015
  • February 2015
  • January 2015
  • December 2014
  • November 2014
  • October 2014
  • September 2014
  • August 2014
  • July 2014
  • June 2014
  • May 2014
  • April 2014
  • March 2014
  • February 2014
  • January 2014
  • December 2013
  • November 2013
  • October 2013
  • August 2013
  • July 2013
  • June 2013
  • May 2013
  • April 2013
  • March 2013
  • February 2013
  • January 2013
  • December 2012
  • November 2012
  • October 2012
  • September 2012
  • August 2012
  • July 2012
  • June 2012
  • May 2012
  • April 2012
  • March 2012
  • February 2012
  • January 2012
  • December 2011
  • November 2011
  • October 2011
  • September 2011
  • August 2011
  • July 2011
  • June 2011
  • May 2011
  • April 2011
  • March 2011
  • February 2011
  • January 2011
  • December 2010
  • November 2010
  • October 2010
  • September 2010
  • August 2010
  • July 2010
  • June 2010
  • May 2010
  • April 2010
  • March 2010
  • February 2010
  • January 2010
  • December 2009
  • November 2009
  • October 2009
  • September 2009
  • August 2009
  • July 2009
  • June 2009
  • May 2009
  • April 2009
  • March 2009
  • February 2009
  • January 2009
  • November 2008
  • October 2008
  • September 2008
  • May 2008
  • April 2008
  • March 2008
  • February 2008
  • January 2008
  • November 2007

Meta

  • Log in
All rights reserved.