Influence of Advanced-Footwear-Technology Spikes on Middle- and Long-Distance Running Performance Measures in Trained Runners

Purpose: Two new designs of track spikes have recently emerged: spikes with a compliant and resilient midsole foam (eg, polyether block amide [PEBA]) and spikes that combine such modern foam with a carbon fiber plate. We evaluated the effect of these different spikes on running performance measures for middle- and long-distance track events in trained runners. Methods: Fourteen females on a single visit performed six 200-m trials at a self-perceived 800-m race pace in 3 different spike conditions (Control, PEBA, and PEBA + Plate), twice in a mirrored order. Sixteen males completed 4 visits. During each of the first 3 visits, they performed six 200-m trials at a self-perceived 800-m race pace, twice in each condition, followed by a 3000-m time trial in 1 of the 3 spike conditions. During visit 4, participants completed six 4-minute running-economy trials at 5 m/s, twice in each condition. Results: At the 800-m race pace, females ran faster in PEBA (2.1%) and PEBA + Plate (2.0%) compared with Control. Males ran faster in PEBA (1.4%) and PEBA + Plate (2.4%) compared with Control and in PEBA + Plate compared with PEBA (1.1%). Similarly, males ran the 3000-m time trial faster in PEBA (1.0%) and PEBA+Plate (2.4%) than in Control. Running economy was better in PEBA (5.1%) and PEBA + Plate (4.0%) than in Control. Conclusions: Compared with traditional spiked shoes, shoes with PEBA foam (both with and without a plate) enhanced distance-running performance measures by 1% to 2% in females and males, with greater benefits in the PEBA + Plate condition in males.