New studies on running shoes
How much does the image of a shoe influence its assessment by runners? How important is the energy return of an outsole? What criteria do runners use to select their running shoes? These are some of the questions from the studies we are presenting.
Are super shoes a super placebo?
The characteristics attributed to a shoe can influence how runners perceive and evaluate a shoe in terms of comfort, running performance and risk of injury. This was shown in a study in which runners ran in identical shoes, one of which was advertised as having the most advanced technology and the second - unrecognizable model - was presented only as an imitation model. While no significant physiological or biomechanical differences were observed, there was a significant placebo effect for both perceived comfort and perceived performance based on the shoe description alone.
Are super shoes a super placebo? A randomised crossover trial in female recreational runners
Kim Hébert-Losier, Ashlynne Pfister, Steven J. Finlayson, Jean-Francois Esculier , Peter Lamb and Christopher Martyn Beaven. Footwear Science https://doi.org/10.1080/19424280.2025.2458330
Gender Differences and their Dependence on Footwear
In this study, gender-specific differences in running biomechanics were examined in relation to different shoes. Known gender-specific differences, such as a larger hip range of motion in female runners, were confirmed. Further, previously undiscovered gender-specific differences in running biomechanics were identified. For example, the knee extensors are less involved in joint work in women. Instead, the supinators contribute more to deceleration and the hip abductors to acceleration compared to men. In addition to the differences in magnitude, women also show a time delay within certain variables. Gender-specific differences were found for the foot, ankle and lower leg and for the distribution of joint work as a function of footwear, while sagittal pelvic kinematics and non-sagittal hip and thigh kinematics were quite consistent. Future studies on gender-specific differences should therefore take into account the influence of footwear and running speed and provide a precise description of the footwear used.
Gender Differences in the Dynamics and Kinematics of Running and Their Dependence on Footwear
Tizian Scharl, Michael Frisch, Franz Konstantin Fuss; Bioengineering 2024, 11(12), 1261; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering11121261
Energy return in footwear – revisited
Fortschrittliche Schuhtechnologien (Advanced Footwear Technologies, AFT) haben im Labor die Laufökonomie verbessert und die Leistung bei Langstreckenläufen erhöht. Ihre elastischen Zwischensohlen haben das Interesse an der „Energierückgabe“ geweckt, d. h. an der Idee, dass die Elastizität von Schuhsohlen die sportliche Leistung verbessern könnte. In diesem Beitrag wird das Konzept der Energierückgabe, seine Definition, Messung und Interpretation untersucht und kritisch betrachtet. AFT-Schuhe würden den den Energieaufwand reduzieren, indem sie die bekannten Effekte von Schuhgewicht, Dämpfung und Biegesteifigkeit ausnutzen. Das Ausmaß der Energierückgabe sei jedoch gering; direkte Auswirkungen der Energierückgabe“ auf die Laufökonomie seien nicht bekannt.
Martyn R. Shorten (2024) Energy return in footwear – revisited, Footwear Science, 16:3, 149-162, DOI: 10.1080/19424280.2024.2369995
How do runners select their shoes?
The study investigated which factors influence the selection of running shoes and how sales staff and runners experience the selection process in the stores. To this end, 101 runners and 38 sales staff in specialist running stores were surveyed. The questionnaires included questions on demographics, factors influencing shoe choice, sources of shoe advice/training, conscious behavior and the perceived influence of sales staff on selection. Runners most frequently cited fit, comfort and gait analysis/injury prevention as the most influential factors in shoe selection, in that order. Sellers felt that comfort was most important for runners. Buyers and non-buyers preferred advice on running shoes from salespeople, friends and family, while salespeople mainly received their information from colleagues. The study also found that salespeople often overestimate their influence on runners' choices. The authors also advise runners to carefully consider advice from salespeople, as many employees may have limited experience.
Andrew Fife, Codi Ramsey, Jean Francois Esculier & Kim Hébert-Losier (2024) How do runners select their shoes? An in-store experience, Footwear Science, 16:3, 191-199, DOI: 10.1080/19424280.2024.2353597
The effects of minimal shoes
In this cross-sectional study, the effects of minimal footwear, the combination of minimal footwear with textured insoles, minimal footwear with supportive insoles, barefoot walking and habitual footwear on stability-related spatiotemporal gait parameters were investigated. Sixty-two healthy young adults were studied in a randomized sequence of five different shoe conditions. Results showed an improvement in observed gait parameters in minimal footwear, minimal footwear with textured insoles and minimal footwear with supportive insoles compared to barefoot walking and habitual footwear. The use of structured or supportive insoles in the minimal shoes did not bring any additional advantages and also had no detrimental effects on the spatio-temporal parameters. Conclusion of the study: minimal shoes with or without insoles have the potential to increase stability when walking, as speed, cadence and stride length are improved.
Salahuddin Haowlader, Daniele Magistro, Charlotte Apps, Martin Bencsik & Maria Bisele (2025) The effects of minimal shoes in combination with textured and supportive insoles on spatiotemporal walking gait parameters in healthy young adults, Footwear Science, 17:1, 47-55, DOI: 10.1080/19424280.2024.2410296
