The Evolution of Running Technology and the Debate Over Super Shoes
The world of athletics is undergoing a technological revolution, with super shoes at the center of the debate. World Athletics president Lord Sebastian Coe has made it clear that he does not intend to stifle innovation in the sport, even as the use of advanced running footwear continues to spark controversy.
Coe emphasized that while there is a “regulatory responsibility” to ensure fairness, the governing body must also “enable” technological progress. This balancing act has become increasingly complex as athletes like Sabastian Sawe, Yomif Kejelcha, and Tigst Assefa have broken records in recent races, all wearing the latest super shoes from Adidas.
Record-Breaking Performance and the Role of Innovation
Last weekend’s London Marathon saw a historic moment when Sawe became the first man to complete the 42.2-kilometre distance in under two hours. His achievement was matched by Kejelcha, who also broke the sub-two-hour barrier, while Assefa set a new women’s only world record. All three runners were wearing the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo 3, a shoe that weighs less than 100 grams and features cutting-edge technology such as advanced foam and carbon-infused “energy rods.”
Adidas claims that these innovations improve running economy by 1.6 per cent, offering athletes a competitive edge. However, this advancement has raised concerns about the integrity of the sport. Some athletes argue that super shoes are akin to “technological doping,” suggesting they go against the “spirit” of athletics.
A Historical Perspective on Technological Advancements
The debate over super shoes is not new. In swimming, a similar issue arose during the “super-suit” era between 2008 and 2010, when polyurethane full-body suits led to a dramatic increase in world records. These suits were eventually banned due to their overwhelming impact on performance. Coe acknowledged that World Athletics is walking a fine line between embracing innovation and preserving the sport’s traditional values.
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The Cost and Controversy of Super Shoes
The new Adidas shoes are expected to retail for $US500 when released later this year. While some athletes see them as a game-changer, others view them as an unfair advantage. Critics argue that the rapid advancements in shoe technology make it difficult to distinguish between legitimate improvements and potential doping.
Professor Ross Tucker, host of The Real Science of Sport podcast, highlighted this concern, stating that the new super shoes complicate doping analyses. To address these concerns, Sawe has taken proactive steps by funding enhanced testing through the Athletics Integrity Unit. This initiative, backed by $US50,000 from Adidas, aims to ensure that any performance improvements are free from suspicion.
Balancing Innovation and Regulation
World Athletics has previously imposed limits on shoe technology, including restrictions on sole thickness and the design of carbon-fibre plates. The organization also requires that any new shoes be available for public purchase. Coe stressed that this is an ongoing process, with technical teams working closely with athletes, coaches, and shoe manufacturers to maintain a balance between innovation and fairness.
“We don’t want them to go off and spend hundreds of millions of dollars on shoes that we’re going to find illegal,” Coe said. “So there is a balance.”
Athletes’ Perspectives and the Future of the Sport
Sawe attributed his success to his rigorous training regimen, which includes running more than 200km a week at altitude and a carefully planned fuelling strategy. Coe noted that such training methods have also benefited from technological advancements, particularly in injury prevention and biomechanics.
“The athletes are able to train for longer, they’re able to race longer, they’re able to be in our sport for longer, and that has to be a good thing,” Coe said.
Despite the challenges, Coe remains confident that World Athletics is striking the right balance. He acknowledged that concerns about technology are understandable but believes the organization is on the “right side of it.”
