Running economy in shoes designed to boost energy return

NewsBot · Sep 19, 2015

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Influence of footwear designed to boost energy return on running economy in comparison to a conventional running shoe
J. Sinclair, R. Mcgrath, O. Brook, P. J. Taylor & S. Dillon
Journal of Sports Sciences in press

Running economy is a reflection of the amount of inspired oxygen required to maintain a given velocity and is considered a determining factor for running performance. Athletic footwear has been advocated as a mechanism by which running economy can be enhanced. New commercially available footwear has been developed in order to increase energy return, although their efficacy has not been investigated. This study aimed to examine the effects of energy return footwear on running economy in relation to conventional running shoes. Twelve male runners completed 6-min steady-state runs in conventional and energy return footwear. Overall, oxygen consumption (VO2), heart rate, respiratory exchange ratio, shoe comfort and rating of perceived exertion were assessed. Moreover, participants subjectively indicated which shoe condition they preferred for running. Differences in shoe comfort and physiological parameters were examined using Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, whilst shoe preferences were tested using a chi-square analysis. The results showed that VO2 and respiratory exchange ratio were significantly lower, and shoe comfort was significantly greater, in the energy return footwear. Given the relationship between running economy and running performance, these observations indicate that the energy return footwear may be associated with enhanced running performance in comparison to conventional shoes.
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NewsBot · Sep 19, 2015

Related Threads:
Does Specific Footwear Facilitate Energy Storage and Return at the Metatarso Phalangeal Joint in Running?
Running economy in shoes vs barefoot
Cushioning reduces the metabolic cost of running

NewsBot · Mar 20, 2016

The effect of minimalist, maximalist and energy return footwear of equal mass on running economy and substrate utilisation
J. Sinclair, H. Shore, S. Dillon
Comparative Exercise Physiology; March 14, 2016

The aim of the current study was to explore the effects of minimalist, maximalist and energy return footwear of equal mass on economy and substrate utilisation during steady state running. Ten male runners completed 6 min steady state runs in minimalist, maximalist and energy return footwear. The mass of the footwear was controlled by adding lead tape to the lighter shoes. Running economy, shoe comfort, rating of perceived exertion and % contribution of carbohydrate to total calorie expenditure were assessed. Participants also subjectively indicated which shoe condition they preferred for running. Differences in shoe comfort and physiological parameters were examined using paired samples t-tests, whilst shoe preferences were tested using a chi-square test. The results showed firstly that running economy was significantly improved in the energy return (35.9 ml∙kg/min) compared to minimalist footwear (37.8 ml∙kg/min). In addition % carbohydrate was significantly greater in the minimalist (76.4%) in comparison to energy return footwear (72.9%). As running economy was improved and carbohydrate utilisation reduced in the energy return in comparison to minimalist footwear, the current investigation shows that these footwear are more economical when shoe mass is controlled.
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NewsBot · Oct 4, 2016

EFFECT OF FOOTWEAR ON
MUSCULAR LOADING AND ENERGY
DEMAND DURING DISTANCE
RUNNING
SHAHIN KETABI
PH.D. THESIS; THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY OF AALBORG
UNIVERSITY

The most popular activity around the world which involves the conversion of
muscular forces into translocation through complex reciprocal movement patterns is
running. Running economy is an important element of performance in distance
running. A number of biomechanical parameters have been related to running
economy and performance. Association of running mechanics with metabolic
processes and economy is not well understood and very complex.
Footwear is typically a controlled variable with several design features which may
influence economical running. Modifications to running shoes can be considered an
obvious choice of modulating loading and with that running economy, performance
and potentially overuse injuries. The muscular activations prior to touch-down are
varied in response to changes in shoe construction, referred to as muscle tuning,
possibly keeping the impact magnitude at an individually preferred level. The
muscles around the knee and ankle joints may increase the joint stiffness, which
appears to be related to better RE. Also the integration and timing of muscle activity
to utilize the storage and release of elastic energy more effectively may lead to
improvements in RE. It has been pointed out that substantially more elastic energy
can be stored in in the muscle tendon unit of the triceps surae as compared to the
energy return features found in footwear modifications.
This PhD thesis focuses on the effects of biomechanical parameters on running
economy. Moreover, the effects of shoe inserts on calcaneal movement to affect
energy stored in the ligaments and muscles of the foot and to modulate the energy
storage and return mechanism of the triceps surae muscle group, muscle activity and
running economy are investigated.
The results indicate that the energy consumption savings achieved by footwear most
likely assist in improving RE by optimizing energy storage and return mechanisms
within the biological system. Shoe-induced kinematic changes relate to overall
metabolic cost where inserts can have the potential to regulate muscle activity and
thus may affect running economy and muscle fatigue during prolonged runs.
Footwear or insole interventions may alter gearing at the ankle joint and vertical
force, and with that stretch in the Achilles tendon can be altered which potentially
affects energy return within the musculoskeletal system. It is possible to relate gear
ratio alterations to metabolic responses during a steady state treadmill run, however,
the identified relationships are not direct as many factors need to be included
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NewsBot · Aug 19, 2018

Running Economy While Running in Shoes Categorized as Maximal
Cushioning
MILES A. MERCER et al
Int J Exerc Sci 11(2): 1031-1040, 2018

The purpose of the study was to
determine if running economy was influenced by wearing maximal cushioning shoes vs. control (neutral
cushioning) shoes. Participants (n=10, age=28.2±6.1yrs; mass=68.1±10.2 kg; height=170±6.1 cm) completed two
experiments. Each experiment included running conditions wearing control and maximal cushioning shoes. In
Experiment 1, participants ran on a treadmill at three speeds in each shoe condition (6 total conditions). The speeds
were: 1) preferred speed, 2) preferred speed + 0.447 m·s-1, and 3) preferred speed - 0.447 m·s-1. In Experiment 2,
participants ran on a treadmill at two inclines (0%, 6%) in each shoe condition (4 total conditions) at preferred
speed. Experiments were conducted on separate days with Experiment 1 first. For all conditions, participants ran
for 8-10 minutes while rate of oxygen consumption (VO2) was recorded. Average VO2 during steady state for each
running condition was calculated. For Experiment 1, a 2 (shoe) x 3 (speed) repeated measures ANOVA (α=0.05)
was used. For Experiment 2, a 2 (shoe) x 2 (incline) repeated measures ANOVA (α=0.05) was used. Rate of oxygen
consumption was not influenced by the interaction of speed and shoe (p=0.108); VO2 was different between speeds
(p<0.001), but not between shoes (p=0.071). Rate of oxygen consumption was not influenced by the interaction of
incline and shoe (p=0.191); VO2 was greater for incline vs. level (p<0.001), but not different between shoes (p=0.095).
It is concluded that a maximal cushioning running shoe did not influence running economy when compared to a
control shoe (neutral cushioning running shoe).
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Dr. Steven King · Aug 28, 2018

Aloha,
If the conclusion of this good research states,
"It is concluded that a maximal cushioning running shoe did not influence running economy when compared to a
control shoe (neutral cushioning running shoe)" then how can we justify calling them maximal?

Maximalism must provide testable and significant improvements in energy efficiency, stability, physical protection and greenability.
It is the inverse of minimalism.

Mahalo,
Steve

Subject Matter Expert and voting member of ASTM American Society of Testing Materials committees;
-E54.4 Homeland Security Applications and Personal Protective Equipment, Tactical Body Armor
-F13 Pedestrian and Walkway Safety Footwear Testing and Standards
-F48 Exoskeletons and Exosuits

Co-Principle Investigator SBIR A11-109 “Advanced Composite Insoles for the Reduction of Stress Fractures.” US Department of Defense and Army Medical Research and Materials Command

NewsBot · Nov 28, 2018

Does an increase in energy return and/or longitudinal bending stiffness shoe features reduce the energetic cost of running?
Nicolas Flores et al
European Journal of Applied Physiology: 23 November 2018

Purpose
This study focused on the effects of shoe energy return and shoe longitudinal bending stiffness on the energetic cost and biomechanics of running.

Methods
The energetic cost of running and biomechanical variables altering running economy (ground contact times, stride frequency, vertical and leg stiffness, ground reaction force impulses, alignment between the resultant ground reaction force and the leg) were measured for nineteen male recreational runners. Participants ran overground under their ventilatory anaerobic threshold (10.8 ± 1.1 km h−1 on average) using four shoe prototypes with features combining low or high magnitudes of energy return and longitudinal bending stiffness.

Results
Neither the energy return, nor the longitudinal bending stiffness, or the interaction of these shoe features altered the energetic cost of running. High energy return shoes induced significant increased ground contact time from 274.5 ± 18.3 to 277.1 ± 18.7 ms, and significant decreased stride frequency from 1.34 ± 0.05 to 1.33 ± 0.05 Hz. High bending stiffness shoes induced significant increased ground contact time from 273.8 ± 18.2 to 277.9 ± 18.7 ms, significant increased vertical stiffness from 23.2 ± 3.4 to 23.8 ± 3.0 kN m−1, and significant decreased net vertical impulse from 245.4 ± 17.2 to 241.7 ± 17.5 BW ms.

Conclusions
Increased energy return and longitudinal bending stiffness induced subtle changes in the running biomechanics, but did not induce any decrease in the energetic cost of running.
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NewsBot · May 26, 2019

The stiff plate location into the shoe influences the running biomechanics.
Flores N et al
Sports Biomech. 2019 May 17:1-16

The changes in running biomechanics induced by an increased longitudinal bending stiffness (stiff plates added into the shoes) have been well investigated, but little is known concerning the effects of the stiff plate location into the shoe on running biomechanics. Fourteen male recreational runners ran at two participant-specific running speeds (3.28 ± 0.28 m/s and 4.01 ± 0.27 m/s) with two shoe conditions where a stiff plate was added either in high (under the insole) or low location (between the midsole and outsole). Ground reaction forces, lower limb joint angles, net joint torques and work, as well as alignment between the resultant ground reaction force and the leg were analysed. Among the running speeds performed by the runners, the high location significantly decreased propulsive ground reaction forces, increased metatarsophalangeal joint dorsiflexion and ankle plantarflexion, induced an increased alignment between the resultant ground reaction force and the runner's leg, thus decreasing all the lower limb joint torques and the positive work at the knee joint compared to the low location. The results suggested that the high stiff plate location into the shoe should be considered for running performance perspectives, but care should be taken to not alter the perceived comfort and/or increase injury risks.
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NewsBot · Oct 23, 2019

Differences in Mechanical Midsole Characteristics of Running Shoes Do Not Influence Physiological Variables in Aerobic and Anaerobic Running

NewsBot · Mar 22, 2021

Footwear designed to enhance energy return improves running economy compared to a minimalist footwear: does it matter for running performance?
R.C. Dinato et al
Braz J Med Biol Res vol.54 no.5 Ribeirão Preto 2021 Epub Mar 15, 2021

The present study compared the effects of a footwear designed to enhance energy return (thermoplastic polyurethane, TPU) vs minimalist shoes on running economy (RE) and endurance performance. In this counterbalanced and crossover design study, 11 recreational male runners performed two submaximal constant-speed running tests and two 3-km time-trials with the two shoe models. Oxygen uptake was measured during submaximal constant-speed running tests in order to determine the RE at 12 km/h and oxygen cost of running (CTO2) at individual average speed sustained during the 3-km running time-trials wearing either of the two shoes. Our results revealed that RE was improved (2.4%) with TPU shoes compared with minimalist shoes (P=0.01). However, there was no significant difference for CTO2 (P=0.61) and running performance (P=0.52) comparing the TPU (710±60 s) and the minimalist (718±63 s) shoe models. These novel findings demonstrate that shoes with enhanced mechanical energy return (i.e. TPU) produced a lower energy cost of running at low (i.e., 12 km/h) but not at high speeds (i.e., average speed sustained during the 3-km running time-trial, ∼15 km/h), ultimately resulting in similar running performance compared to the minimalist shoe.
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NewsBot · Feb 3, 2022

The influence of midsole shear on running economy and smoothness with a 3D-printed midsole
Christian ClermontORCID Icon,Zachary B. Barrons,Michael Esposito,Eugene Dominguez,Marina Culo,John W. Wannop
Sports Biomechanics: 26 Jan 2022

The objectives of this study were to first determine whether a newly designed 3D-printed midsole, configured with a mechanism to increase anterior-posterior deformation, could increase anterior midsole shear during the stance phase of running. We then wanted to determine whether these shoes could affect running economy and smoothness. Two footwear conditions, differing in midsole technology, were used in this study. The control condition consisted of a thermoplastic polyurethane midsole (TPU-Control), whereas the prototype shoes (3D-Shear) were constructed with a 3D-printed lattice midsole designed for greater anterior foot displacement during early to mid-stance. Twenty male participants ran on a treadmill for 6 min in each condition, and data were collected during the final 2 min. Midsole shear was measured using 3D kinematic data; running smoothness was quantified with peak acceleration and jerk magnitudes from the foot, sacrum, and head; and running economy was determined with oxygen consumption data. As hypothesised, the anterior midsole shear was greater in the 3D-Shear condition compared to the TPU-Control. The 3D-Shear did not improve running economy. Runners exhibited significantly lower peak accelerations at the sacrum, along with lower magnitudes of jerk at the foot, sacrum, and head in the 3D-Shear condition, indicating smoother running patterns.
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NewsBot · Jul 10, 2022

Influence of the Shod Condition on Running Power Output: An Analysis in Recreationally Active Endurance Runners
Diego Jaén-Carrillo et al
Sensors (Basel). 2022 Jun 26;22(13):4828

Several studies have already analysed power output in running or the relation between VO2max and power production as factors related to running economy; however, there are no studies assessing the difference in power output between shod and barefoot running. This study aims to identify the effect of footwear on the power output endurance runner. Forty-one endurance runners (16 female) were evaluated at shod and barefoot running over a one-session running protocol at their preferred comfortable velocity (11.71 ± 1.07 km·h-1). The mean power output (MPO) and normalized MPO (MPOnorm), form power, vertical oscillation, leg stiffness, running effectiveness and spatiotemporal parameters were obtained using the Stryd™ foot pod system. Additionally, footstrike patterns were measured using high-speed video at 240 Hz. No differences were noted in MPO (p = 0.582) and MPOnorm (p = 0.568), whereas significant differences were found in form power, in both absolute (p = 0.001) and relative values (p < 0.001), running effectiveness (p = 0.006), stiffness (p = 0.002) and vertical oscillation (p < 0.001). By running barefoot, lower values for contact time (p < 0.001) and step length (p = 0.003) were obtained with greater step frequency (p < 0.001), compared to shod running. The prevalence of footstrike pattern significantly differs between conditions, with 19.5% of runners showing a rearfoot strike, whereas no runners showed a rearfoot strike during barefoot running. Running barefoot showed greater running effectiveness in comparison with shod running, and was consistent with lower values in form power and lower vertical oscillation. From a practical perspective, the long-term effect of barefoot running drills might lead to increased running efficiency and leg stiffness in endurance runners, affecting running economy.
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NewsBot · Jul 31, 2022

THE EFFECT OF RUNNING ECONOMY IN MALE RUNNERS WEARING 3 TYPES
OF FOOTWEAR
Mengjie Zhang et al
40th International Society of Biomechanics in Sports Conference, Liverpool, UK: July 19-23, 2022

The purpose of this study was to identify the effect of running economy in male runners
wearing Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next%2(N), Qiaodan Feiying pb2(Q), and Xtep2(X)
footwear. Twelve male middle-caliber runners (mean±SD, age: 21.0±2.0year, maximum
oxygen uptake (VO2max): 51.2±3.7ml/kg/min) attended 4 sessions. The first session
consisted of a VO2max test to inform subsequent RE speeds set at 60%, 70%, and 80% of
the speed eliciting VO2max (ʋVO2max). In subsequent sessions, treadmill RE was assessed
in the 3 footwear conditions in a randomized, counterbalanced crossover design. Oxygen
consumption (ml/kg/min) and energy expenditure (W/kg) was lesser in Q vs. X at 80% of
ʋVO2max, and there had a significant difference between Q、N and X (p<0.05), while which
had a non-significant difference at 60% and 70% of ʋVO2max (p>0.05). Overall, Qiaodan
Feiying pb2 improved RE and energy expenditure in middle-caliber male runners at 80%
of ʋVO2max compared to Xtep2, but these impro
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NewsBot · Aug 5, 2022

Reliability of Running Economy Measurements: Influence of Shoe Familiarisation
Anders Nielsen , Christian Heyde , Morten Bilde Simonsen , Ryan Godsk Larsen , Rasmus Kopp Hansen , Uwe Kersting , M De Zee , René Børge Korsgaard Brund
Int J Sports Med

The purpose was to investigate differences in reliability of running economy measurements between familiar and unfamiliar shoes. Thirty-seven runners were included who all ran in familiar and unfamiliar running shoes while running economy was measured at steady state using a treadmill. Each participant was tested on two different visits (three sessions in total), with two trials in each of the three shoe conditions completed at each visit. Coefficient of variation, standard deviation of differences, and limits of agreement of running economy were used to quantify the repeatability (within-visit variation) and reproducibility (between-visit variation). The coefficient of variation showed a marginal difference in reproducibility across shoe conditions, whereas no differences were seen in coefficient of variation, standard deviation of the differences, or limits of agreement for repeatability across shoes. All three shoe conditions showed greater repeatability than reproducibility for running economy, and enhanced repeatability at visit 3 compared to visit 2. Our results indicate that familiarisation to shoes might not be needed for reliable measurements of running economy. Based on our results, when evaluating benefits in running shoes we suggest that running economy be assessed within the same day. Further, our data suggest a beneficial effect of using multiple familiarisation sessions if small differences between shoe conditions are expected.
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NewsBot · May 11, 2023

Footwear energy return is intuitively ‘good’, but should not be considered in isolation

NewsBot · Jan 8, 2024

Greater foot and footwear mechanical work associated with less ankle joint work during running
Emily S. Matijevich et al
02 Jan 2024

Footwear energy storage and return is often suggested as one explanation for metabolic energy savings when running in Advanced Athletic Footwear. However, there is no common understanding of how footwear energy storage and return facilitates changes in muscle and joint kinetics. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the magnitude and timing of foot, footwear and lower limb joint powers and work while running in Advanced and Traditional Athletic Footwear. Fifteen runners participated in an overground motion analysis study. Since footwear kinetics are methodologically challenging to quantify, we leveraged distal rearfoot power analyses (‘foot + footwear’ power) and evaluated changes in the magnitude and timing of foot + footwear power and lower limb joint powers. Running in Advanced Footwear resulted in greater foot + footwear work, compared to Traditional Shoes, and lower positive ankle work, potentially reducing the muscular demand on the runner. The timing of foot + footwear power varied only slightly across footwear. There are exciting innovation opportunities to manipulate the timing of footwear energy and return. This study demonstrates the research value of quantifying time-series foot + footwear power, and points industry developers towards footwear innovation opportunities.
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