Performance-enhancing design for running shoes: When technology wins

Abstract

This article discusses the politics of cheating via sportswear and amateur running footwear, where boundaries and synergies exist between the body and apparel that enhance sport performance. In 2017, Nike introduced a revolution in running shoe design, launching its Vaporfly 4% running shoes. The claims used in advertising for the shoe stated a possible increase in performance of up to 4 per cent. The design of the shoe was aesthetically distinguished by its thick foam sole, which contains carbon plating. There has been a significant drop in times for elite running races since professional athletes adopted such advanced footwear and as a result, tighter regulations have been developed by World Athletics (2020), who have banned certain editions. Other footwear designers have followed Nike and are looking to new technology to advance performance, such as the Adidas Futurecraft running shoe, a 3D printed shoe designed to work with the athlete’s foot shape using foot-scanning technology, perhaps paving the way for a move to ‘bespoke’ footwear design based on personal data. The ethics of performance-enhancing design for running shoes are contextualized through a wider consideration of specialist garments for specific sport and leisure activities worn to enhance ease of movement and increased activity. There is a gap in research related to performance-enhancing design for running shoes for amateur runners; therefore, this study makes an important and original contribution to literature.

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