4 ms·

Another way that, a bit sadly, running is becoming more like triathlon or F1. In those, there are a lot of rules about what technology you can use. Annoying, bu

Another way that, a bit sadly, running is becoming more like triathlon or F1. In those, there are a lot of rules about what technology you can use. Annoying, but it will have to happen with running - consider that these "supershoes" in part work like prosthetic running blades do, and those are more efficient than human feet (as they are springs).

matt-attack 2y ago
To me this notion that shoes like this have a spring action that are actually useful seems dubious. Prosthetic blades have a spring constant that’s clearly calibrated to match the cadence of your running step. I really don’t think the little springs on these shoes could possibly have the necessary correct spring constant to be beneficial in that way. Yes they might cushion your knees and joints from the blows associated with your foot landing on pavement but that’s a different effect that saying the spring action is actually helping you run more efficiently (like prosthetic blades do).
_DeadFred_ 2y ago
If we are going to limit tech I think they should reduce the improved precision of chronometers. Lots of records fall simply because of this. It isn't fair that previous record holders lose their record simply due to better measuring technology.
- sfn42 2y ago
  I don't get your point. If a more recent record is accurately measured, then that's entirely fair isn't it? It seems like you're implying that an old record was inaccurately measured to be slower than it really was, and then beaten by a more accurately measured modern record? Inaccuracy goes both ways, less accuracy could just as easily lead to a better time than a worse one.
bluecalm 2y ago
I see it the opposite way. Triathlon (and cycling time trialing) becomes very expensive if you want to be competitive because there is too little regulation. You can buy a lot of performance on a time trial or triathlon bike and I don't think it's good for those sports long term.
AtlasBarfed 2y ago
What you should truly remember in Olympic sports like this is that really only the top 1% should care about this and even then those people probably not. The engine matters so much more and running. Yeah, 1 to 2% of advantage at the high end. It makes a huge difference for a metals. But if you're in any sort of participatory level don't bother
- BizarroLand 2y ago
  If you run for fun, and you have the cash, go ahead and buy the shoes and see if it makes you any faster. Why not? You only live once. Might as well try all the things you can try and do all the things you can do. Who knows? Maybe the psychological impact of having supershoes will make you a faster, better runner.
  - nradov 2y ago
    The benefits aren't just in speed. There is pretty strong anecdotal evidence from many elite distance runners that training in supershoes reduces leg strain and speeds up recovery. Thus they can come back and do a hard workout again the next day and achieve bigger training gains.
    - alecst 2y ago
      I’m curious where I can read more about this because I’m just a tad skeptical.
      - aembleton 2y ago
        Only an annecdote, but its mentioned here: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2024/apr/07/carbon-fibre-super-shoe-running-marathon-vaporfly-adziero-tracksmith https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2024/apr/07/carbon-fibre-s...
      - rafaelmn 2y ago
        Sounds plausible if they can redirect more energy to motion vs skeletal stress.

matt-attack 2y ago

To me this notion that shoes like this have a spring action that are actually useful seems dubious. Prosthetic blades have a spring constant that’s clearly calibrated to match the cadence of your running step. I really don’t think the little springs on these shoes could possibly have the necessary correct spring constant to be beneficial in that way. Yes they might cushion your knees and joints from the blows associated with your foot landing on pavement but that’s a different effect that saying the spring action is actually helping you run more efficiently (like prosthetic blades do).

_DeadFred_ 2y ago

If we are going to limit tech I think they should reduce the improved precision of chronometers. Lots of records fall simply because of this. It isn't fair that previous record holders lose their record simply due to better measuring technology.

sfn42 2y ago
I don't get your point. If a more recent record is accurately measured, then that's entirely fair isn't it? It seems like you're implying that an old record was inaccurately measured to be slower than it really was, and then beaten by a more accurately measured modern record? Inaccuracy goes both ways, less accuracy could just as easily lead to a better time than a worse one.

bluecalm 2y ago

I see it the opposite way. Triathlon (and cycling time trialing) becomes very expensive if you want to be competitive because there is too little regulation. You can buy a lot of performance on a time trial or triathlon bike and I don't think it's good for those sports long term.

AtlasBarfed 2y ago

What you should truly remember in Olympic sports like this is that really only the top 1% should care about this and even then those people probably not. The engine matters so much more and running. Yeah, 1 to 2% of advantage at the high end. It makes a huge difference for a metals. But if you're in any sort of participatory level don't bother

BizarroLand 2y ago
If you run for fun, and you have the cash, go ahead and buy the shoes and see if it makes you any faster. Why not? You only live once. Might as well try all the things you can try and do all the things you can do. Who knows? Maybe the psychological impact of having supershoes will make you a faster, better runner.
- nradov 2y ago
  The benefits aren't just in speed. There is pretty strong anecdotal evidence from many elite distance runners that training in supershoes reduces leg strain and speeds up recovery. Thus they can come back and do a hard workout again the next day and achieve bigger training gains.
  - alecst 2y ago
    I’m curious where I can read more about this because I’m just a tad skeptical.
    - aembleton 2y ago
      Only an annecdote, but its mentioned here: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2024/apr/07/carbon-fibre-super-shoe-running-marathon-vaporfly-adziero-tracksmith https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2024/apr/07/carbon-fibre-s...
    - rafaelmn 2y ago
      Sounds plausible if they can redirect more energy to motion vs skeletal stress.