Can a running shoe be too fast?
Nike has the fastest running shoe in the world. And Nike has a problem. Because Nike has the fastest running shoe in the world.
Last year, Kenyan Eliud Kipchoge became the first person to run a marathon in under two hours. On 12 October 2019, the miracle runner covered the 42.195 kilometres in Vienna in 1:59:40 and we rubbed our eyes in amazement. How was something like that possible?
Kipchoge ran in clinical conditions and was supported by 35 pacemakers during his attempt. He also ran almost the entire route through the Austrian capital behind a car, which set the pace he needed. And Kipchoge had the new miracle shoe from Nike, the Alpha Fly, on his feet. A prototype that is not yet on the market.
Banned soon?
His pacemakers ran with the Nike Vaporfly Next%. This uses a combination of foam and a carbon fibre plate to transfer more energy from one running stride to the next. And it's the follow-up to the Vaporfly 4%. In a test conducted by the New York Times, a runner wearing a publicly available version of the Vaporfly 4% ran four per cent faster than a runner wearing a typical running shoe
According to the London Times, these models will be banned later this year by World Athletics, the governing body for all national athletics federations. However, a report in the Guardian contradicts this statement, citing sources who deny that there will be a complete ban. Instead, according to the Guardian report, certain limits will be set for carbon plate technologies. As a reminder, the Olympic Games will be held in Tokyo this summer. Winning the marathon is one of the most prestigious titles in Japan.
Vaporfly like LZR
World Athletics' approach is not new, however. In 2008, Speedo presented the LZR, a full body part that went down in history as a shark suit. This reduced a swimmer's resistance in the water and increased buoyancy at the same time. The suits dominated the Olympic Games in Beijing. 98 per cent of all Olympic swimming medals won that year were won by athletes in LZR suits. Superstars such as Michael Phelps were also breaking world records. And then, in 2009, the technology was banned from all international swimming competitions. Even Phelps himself agreed. The ban was the right decision.
If World Athletics banned the Vaporfly line, these shoes could no longer be worn in any future competitions. Therefore, this decision is important for athletes and sports fans alike. And what does Nike have to say about a possible ban on their wonder shoe? Nothing so far.
From radio journalist to product tester and storyteller, jogger to gravel bike novice and fitness enthusiast with barbells and dumbbells. I'm excited to see where the journey'll take me next.