As with any distribution of population , there will be 5 % either side of an inverted U graph who require special attention in the form of control features in their shoes . It ’ s also true that the amount of daily inactivity , poor posture from sitting and widespread use of technological devices has created imbalanced bodies , which need release or compensation , but these are generally manageable with inner soles . |
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Nike ’ s plate technology gave Eliud Kipchoge a 4 % increase in performance , leading to the first sub-2-hour marathon
Over the past decade virtually all shoes have reduced to a lower drop , at most 13mm , and a drop of 10mm , which is generally accepted to be the changepoint for allowing a forefoot or midfoot strike as opposed to an enforced heel strike , is fast becoming the norm for running shoes . ( The leisure / fashion market is slightly higher .) In fact , more and more manufacturers have models with 4 , 6 and 8mm drops , and these are quickly gaining greater market acceptance .
The plated shoe , as discussed in the March edition , is designed to put the landing into a back-driving position as the foot lands , and therefore promotes a forward lean , creating momentum . Importantly this assists runners to engage their core , and hence more effective power transfer from the body to the ground . This is how Nike was able to promise and deliver a 4 % increase improvement , leading to the first sub-2- hour marathon run by Eliud Kipchoge . Noticeably , all plated shoes have a low drop , as another means of generating a forefoot landing .
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The Facts Don ’ t Lie
There will be those who defend the last four decades of running shoe commercialism , but the facts don ’ t lie :
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• Until the 1970 ’ s , runners effectively ran barefoot , with only a protective cover and minimal cushioning . Control technology did not exist . And this was founded on centuries of human development and motion .
• The increase in runners and events opened an opportunity for commercialisation of running shoes . Manufacturers ‘ went to war ’ to bring new technology to something that had been perfected by evolution .
• In their ambition to gain market position , they inadvertently based their designs on poor science and medical appreciation of shoes , which detracted from good running form , but made billions for their shareholders .
• If this is not true , then why have even the strongest protagonists of high-drop and control shoes moved back to lower drop and more flexibility designs . This is the ‘ admission of guilt ,’ without writing a word .
• The only true innovations have been in the materials and processes used in shoe construction , plus more recently , the addition of a plate .
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There is nothing that can be done to correct the misdirection in the design of running shoes for the past three decades . On the other hand , we need to be thankful for the gains in lightweight , high energyreturn midsoles materials , lamination of lacing yokes , speed and variable lacing , lightweight upper nylon , and durable outer soles . Shoes have nevertheless managed to come a long way . But with all that said , one can ’ t help wondering if some bright legal company will not question the return to low drops and flexibility , and consider whether a class action suit could not be proven for many of those who have been forced into an incorrect change of running style , and in worst case scenarios , leading to injury and curtailing of running careers .
About the Author
Norrie represented Scotland and Great Britain in numerous ultra-distance events , then represented South Africa in triathlon . He is a World Athleticsaccredited coach and course measurer , and travels all over the world to work on events , including the Olympics , where he has been part of four Olympic Marathon measurement teams . He has been appointed by World Athletics as Technical Delegate to a number of the world ’ s leading Label events in Africa , Asia and the Middle East . He has authored two books ( Everyman ’ s Guide to Distance Running and Every Beginner ’ s Guide to Walking & Running ), and counts 20 Comrades medals amongst his more than 150 ultra-marathon medals , as well as multiple wins at distances from 100km to 1000km . You can read more from him at www . coachnorrie . co . za .
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Images : Martin Eric / Wikimedia & courtesy Beyond Books , Comrades Marathon , Runners Goal , Nike & Wikimedia |