#runningshoes 📝
Race season is in full swing, and one of the most important aspects of preparing for the race is choosing your running shoes.
So I thought it was time to choose the perfect shoes for my half marathon 🏃🏻♀️.
I pondered this question and went searching for answers on the expanse of the internet 🧐 and among scientific researches.
On one hand, there's carbon technology that massively covered the entire running world, and on the other, there's the traditional "classic" running shoe. Amateur runners are buying up super shoes faster than world records are being set.
On each corner, you can hear that the high stiffness of carbon helps improve power pulsation, resulting in energy savings and increased speed. But can they enhance any speed? So far, carbon footwear has been tested at running pace of 4:37 per km or faster. This means the tests apply to those who run a marathon in 3 hours and 15 minutes or faster, and this result was achieved by less than 15% of the participants in the 2023 Chicago Marathon.
However, there is a new study 📚 that was done to find out whether slower runners would benefit from super shoes.
At slower running speeds, runners achieved only 1.4% running economy at a pace of 5:00 per km and 0.9% at a pace of 6:00 per km, compared to 2.7-4.2% that runners achieved at a pace of 4:37 per km or faster.
A faster runner that exerts more pressure on the pavement compresses the foam more than a slower runner that does not exert as much pressure on the pavement due to its speed.
Although the results showed an average improvement in running economy, one-third of the participants actually showed a deterioration in running economy. At lower speeds, the rigid carbon plate may stop saving the runner's energy and instead create the need for additional energy to activate the plate's compression.
Regarding injury 🚑, there are several different opinions. There is research suggesting that super shoes reduce the load on parts of the calf, such as the Achilles tendon and calf muscles. Some see this as a positive, while others believe it may lead to atrophy of these tendons and muscles. There has also been a tendency to increase repetitive stress injuries in the hamstrings and hip flexors in runners who often wear carbon shoes. In addition, carbon shoes can have the opposite effect when running on the heel.
The only thing everyone agrees on is that carbon shoes should be combined with regular shoes in everyday training.
Is it worth investing in carbon shoes? 💶
Unlocking the potential of carbon shoes is not easy. Choosing and using in the right way carbon shoes can improve your running performance in certain circumstances, but first consider your goals, experience, and the character of your running!
And the question to you - what do you think about carbon shoes and their impact on your running? Share your thoughts 💭😊👇🏻!
adidas Nike PUMA Group HOKA New Balance Saucony #running