A new generation of athletic shoes is revolutionizing the world of running, offering a significant advantage for both sprinters and long-distance runners. These are the so-called “super spikes”, a technology that has proven to increase running performance in medium distances by up to 3.1%.
An international study examined the impact of this advanced footwear technology (AFT) to better understand how “super spikes” influence performance. This type of spiked shoe is now a consolidated presence at a professional level, and with the continuous breaking of world records, the question arises whether the improvements are due to greater athletic preparation or simply to more advanced technological equipment.
The biomechanical engineer Montgomery Bertschy from the University of Massachusetts explains that these shoes feature a thicker, yet lightweight, elastic and flexible midsole, often combined with a rigid carbon fiber plate.
Tests conducted on various types of shoes have confirmed that shoes with “super spikes” offer a performance increase of around 2% on average. Runners’ speed improved between 1.8% and 3.1%, saving up to 5 seconds over the 1500 meters. The results indicate that this improvement is related to increased stride length, rather than increased step frequency.
The performance evolution debate
Ethan Wilkiea biomechanist at the University of New Brunswick, points out that minimal improvements in race times can make the difference between winning a medal or staying off the podium. The results of the study show that part of these improvements can be attributed to the superiority of the footwear used.
Several studies have also found that AFT appears to benefit women more than men and is more effective over longer distances. Despite this, it is clear that shoe choice, along with the athlete’s speed and physicality, plays an important role in overall performance.
The continued breaking of records, such as the 32 set during the 2024 Paris Olympics, suggests that footwear technology will continue to play a crucial role for athletes seeking every possible advantage to improve their performance.
