Banned Performance Enhancing Shoes

In 2025, some banned running shoes, particularly those with multiple carbon plates or excessive midsole height, could potentially provide a 2-4% performance enhancement compared to standard running shoes. These shoes, often exceeding the 40mm midsole height limit set by World Athletics, have been shown to improve running economy and speed. Studies show potential improvements of 4% in running efficiency and 3.4% in speed for certain shoes.

Performance Enhancement

Carbon Plates: Using carbon plates, particularly in models like the Nike Vaporfly, has been linked to a significant increase in running efficiency.

Midsole Height: Shoes with larger midsole heights, even if they don’t have carbon plates, can provide a noticeable performance boost.

Foam Technology: The type and density of foam in the midsole also play a crucial role in energy return and impact absorption, contributing to potential performance gains.

Some of the Shoes

Nike Vaporfly: This shoe has been a focus of attention due to its carbon plate and foam technology, with claims of a 4% increase in performance.

Alphafly: Another Nike shoe with a similar technology, but has been subject to specific rules regarding the number of carbon plates and midsole height.

Puma Fast RB Nitro Elite: This shoe, with a 58mm stack, is a rule-breaker for exceeding the 40mm midsole height limit.

Saucony Kinvara Pro: A successful example of combining a carbon plate with a 42mm stack

The unbanned supershoes have improved times by roughly 1.4-2.8% or 0.6-2.2% in the men’s and women’s marathon events respectively over the last seven to eight years.

Supershoes help everyone run a bit faster or with less effort. But slower people see marginal gains.