Revolutionizing Distance Running: The Impact of Super Shoes on the Sport
The introduction of carbon-plated "super shoes" in distance running has sparked a debate about their impact on the sport. These shoes, worn by elite marathon runners, have led to an influx of world records and faster times. Some argue that they advance the sport, while others believe they skew performance and remove a sense of natural progression. The shoes feature stiff, curved plates embedded in lightweight foam soles, providing greater propulsion and energy return. Critics raise concerns about the randomness of the technology's benefits and potential long-term performance compromise. The governing body, World Athletics, defends the use of new shoe technology, but critics argue that stricter regulations should have been implemented.