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, the rapid development of such technology has raised concerns about its impact on the sport’s integrity.
A Historical Parallel: The Super-Suit Era
This situation is reminiscent of the swimming world’s experience with super-suits between 2008 and 2010. These full-body suits led to a dramatic increase in world records before being banned due to their perceived unfair advantage. Swimming officials eventually took action to restore the sport’s original spirit.
Similarly, some athletes argue that super shoes are akin to “technological doping,” with critics calling for them to be banned. They claim that the shoes go against the “spirit” of athletics, which values human effort over technological assistance.
The Ethical Dilemma: Doping or Innovation?
The question of whether improvements in performance are due to natural talent, training, or technology remains a contentious issue. Professor Ross Tucker, host of The Real Science of Sport podcast, has highlighted how super shoes complicate the assessment of doping. He argues that these advancements make it harder to determine if an athlete’s success is purely due to their own abilities.
Sawe, however, has taken proactive steps to address these concerns. He has funded enhanced testing through the Athletics Integrity Unit, with Adidas contributing $50,000 to ensure that his performance is not tainted by allegations of doping.
Regulation and the Future of Athletic Technology
World Athletics has previously implemented limits on shoe technology, including restrictions on sole thickness and the design of carbon-fibre plates. Additionally, the organization mandates that any new shoes must be available for purchase by the general public.
Coe acknowledges that this is an “evolutionary process” and emphasizes the importance of collaboration between athletes, coaches, and shoe manufacturers. He warns against spending large sums on shoes that may later be deemed illegal.
Training, Technology, and the Athlete’s Mindset
Coe also points out that the improvement in athletic performance is not solely due to technology. He highlights the role of intensive training regimes, such as Sawe’s ability to run more than 200km a week at altitude and his strategic fueling during races.
At the same time, Coe admits that technological advancements have contributed to better training methods, including biomechanical work focused on injury prevention. This allows athletes to train longer and compete more effectively.
Striking the Right Balance
Despite the concerns, Coe believes that World Athletics is currently on the right side of the balance between innovation and tradition. He acknowledges that the sport must evolve but stresses the need to remain true to its roots.
As the debate over super shoes continues, one thing is clear: the future of athletics will be shaped by the interplay between human capability and technological advancement. Whether this will lead to greater achievements or ethical dilemmas remains to be seen.
