Super shoes are high-tech running sneakers that are designed to help wearers run faster and more efficiently. They have become popular among professional and elite runners due to their performance-enhancing features. The main components that make super shoes unique are:
Dynamic Duo Midsole Super Foam: This is a lightweight, compliant, and highly resilient foam that provides a bouncy and responsive feel, reducing the amount of work a runner must do to maintain a certain speed
.
Rocker Design: The shape of the midsole is curved, which helps to propel the runner forward and create a smooth and efficient stride
.
: A rigid plate made from carbon fiber is embedded within the foam, providing added stability and energy return. The plate works in conjunction with the foam to create a “magic” combination that improves running economy and speed
.
While super shoes can offer significant benefits, they may not be suitable for everyone. Some runners may find that the design of super shoes, such as their stiffness and reduced stability, can change their stride and distribution of impact, potentially leading to injuries
. Additionally, research on the negative effects of carbon-plated shoes is limited, and some studies suggest that they may cause an increase in bone stress injuries
. Therefore, it is recommended to alternate between different types of shoes for injury prevention
what are the benefits of wearing super shoes
Super shoes, also known as carbon-plated racing shoes, have gained popularity among athletes and runners due to their performance-enhancing features. Here are some benefits of wearing super shoes:
Improved running economy/efficiency: Super shoes are designed with a full-length rigid carbon plate and a high stack layer of light, highly responsive foam. This combination reduces the amount of work a runner must do to maintain a certain speed, leading to improved running economy and efficiency
.
Greater fatigue resistance: The energy-returning foam in super shoes helps reduce fatigue and improve overall performance. This is especially beneficial during longer distance races, where runners can experience increased fatigue
.
Improved recovery: The super-responsive foam in these shoes compresses under the weight of the stride and rapidly expands to propel the runner forward. This feature has been found to reduce muscle damage and speed up recovery, making them a popular choice for faster training and racing
.
Reduced Achilles tendon and calf issues: Super shoes’ design, with their energy-returning foam and carbon plate, can help alleviate discomfort and pain in the Achilles tendon and calf areas
.
Smooth transitions and forward propulsion: The forefoot rocker and curved carbon plate in super shoes make it easier to shift weight over the front of the foot and propel the runner forward. This design provides smooth transitions and keeps the runner moving forward, even when fatigue sets in
.
Longer functional life: Super shoes have been found to have a longer functional life than traditional running shoes. The dense foam midsoles in super shoes retain their cushioning and energy-return properties longer than the softer EVA midsoles in earlier shoes
.
While super shoes offer many benefits, they may not be suitable for everyone. Some runners may find them too stiff or unstable, which can change their stride and distribution of impact, potentially leading to injuries
. Additionally, the high price tag of super shoes may not be justifiable for all runners
