Advances in running footwear technology, particularly carbon-fibre plates and highly resilient midsole foams, have been proposed to enhance running economy and performance. However, evidence remains heterogeneous and context-dependent.PurposeThis systematic review synthesised empirical evidence on the biomechanical, physiological, and performance effects of emerging footwear technologies. A PRISMA-guided search identified 14 experimental studies examining footwear effects on running economy, biomechanics, and physiological responses. Methodological quality and risk of bias were assessed using a modified approach based on the Cochrane Risk of Bias framework, adapted to accommodate the diversity of study designs included in this review, including randomized, non-randomized, and biomechanical simulation studies. Fourteen studies were included. Carbon-fibre plate shoes with resilient midsole foams improved running economy by 2.6-4.2%, with some models reducing metabolic cost by ~ 4% and improving running economy during prolonged running by 2-6%, while increasing lactate-threshold speed by 0.5-0.6 km·h⁻¹ and reducing heart rate (~ 4-5%) and blood lactate (~ 0.3-0.5 mmol·L⁻¹). Biomechanical adaptations included reduced joint work, altered stride mechanics, and improved energy return, whereas maximalist cushioning increased impact loading by 10.7% and loading rate by 12.3%, and carbon-fibre insoles showed no significant performance or metabolic benefits. Modern running footwear technologies can enhance running economy and endurance performance through complex interactions between cushioning properties, plate stiffness, and shoe geometry. Nevertheless, the biomechanical and physiological effects of these technologies are context-dependent. Future research should investigate long-term adaptations, injury risk implications, and individualized footwear design to optimize performance while minimizing injury risk.
Alexe et al. (Mon,) studied this question.