The Changing Technology Behind Running Shoes

Running shoes are more than just a humble covering for the foot that is supposed to be a protection from the environment. Running shoes have become so technologically advanced that they are not only good at protecting the runners’ bodies from the environment, they can help increase performance and an also protect from a running injury. A number of technologies that are built into running shoes that have evolved over the years, and continue to evolve, contribute to this. Some of these technologies include:

Cushioning and Energy Return:Probably the significant innovation in running shoes is the development of advanced cushioning or shock absorbing technologies. The commonly used ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam has been the staple in the industry for decades for this cushioning. Some brands such has Nike developed their pressurized air units within the sole and ASICS’ developed their gel based systems. Adidas and New Balance have moved away from the EVA based foams to a variety of other types of foams. Systems have now been developed within running shoes that are engineered to enhance energy return and propulsion. Designs such as carbon fiber plates that were popularized by Nike's Vaporfly series, are a groundbreaking innovation in this regard. These plates act like a spring, providing a propulsive effect that helps runners conserve energy and maintain speed over long distances. Another development is the use of Pebax foam in the midsole, seen in Nike's ZoomX shoes and other brands, which combines lightweight properties with high energy return.

Lightweight Materials:The weight of the shoe is also extremely important. The heavier the running shoe, the slower is going to be the performance. In recent years there have been some great improvements leading to a reduction in the weight of a running shoe. Knitted uppers, for example Nike's Flyknit and Adidas' Primeknit, offer a sock-like fit to the foot while significantly reducing weight. Engineered mesh is another upper material that provides breathability contributing to overall comfort without adding extra ounces. The midsole materials have also seen a reduction in weight in recent years.

Customization and Fit:Running shoes have to be comfortable and the importance of a perfect fit cannot be overstated. Recent innovations here include custom 3D-printed insoles and uppers that can be tailored to the individual runner's foot shape and foot biomechanics. Adaptive fit systems, such as Nike's Flywire technology, make use of lightweight cables that can adjust with the laces to provide a more customized fit.

Sustainability:Running shoe companies are not immune to the growth in environmental concerns and have responded. They are using more recycled and eco-friendly materials in their products such as recycled polyester, bio-based foams, and other sustainable materials to reduce the environmental footprint of running shoes.

Smart Shoes:Smart running shoes are equipped with embedded sensors can monitor various metrics such as distance, speed, cadence and impact forces to give feedback to the runner. This data can be used to help runners optimize their training, improve their running technique and prevent injuries.

Conclusion:Running shoes continue to evolve. Brands come and go, such as the Arira One running shoes that came with innovated and then went out of business. Runners are more likely to accept innovation rather than adopt new brands such as Arira. The continuous improvement is driven by a blend of a blend of art and science. From the enhanced cushioning systems that can have energy return to lightweight materials to allow the runners to go faster to the smart technologies, these innovations have fundamentally changed the running shoes.

Craig Payne is a University lecturer, runner, cynic, researcher, skeptic, forum admin, woo basher, clinician, rabble-rouser, blogger and a dad.