Footwear science research has seen a roughly 10-fold increase in publications over the last 20 years. This commentary will focus on the three primary research themes of this time frame: methodological developments, running-related injuries, and performance. Within each theme, we summarise the knowledge generated through the substantial increase in publications over the last couple of decades. The methodological developments highlight both improvements in data analysis techniques as well as changes in how we measure variables of interest. Running-related injury prediction paradigms have evolved significantly during these years, which affect how we recommend moving forward in the field. Substantial excitement has filled the performance research field, as we discuss how the advent of Advanced Footwear Technologies altered the research questions and approaches. The undeniable growth in the field over in recent years can be attributed to a strong foundation of knowledge, nurtured by a curiosity to obtain understanding through holistic approaches. The community has embarked on the next stage of the journey, armed with new data collection tools and analytical methodologies, with the objective to better understand the effect of novel footwear design on performance enhancement and injury prevention.

It has been proposed, that ‘the better running economy and personal best time obtained with the VP4 [Vaporfly 4% or similar advanced shoe constructions] cannot be currently explained from a [functi...

Lateral shuffles are common movements in sports and are facilitated by the hip, knee, and ankle joints. Shoe uppers can change ankle kinetics during walking and running. However, it is not known how shoe upper modifications affect ankle kinetics during shuffling. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of shoe upper construction on mechanical ankle joint work during shuffling. It was hypothesized that a shoe with a reinforced upper will result in decreased negative ankle joint work. Twenty participants performed Maximal (MLST) and Submaximal Lateral Shuffle Tests (90% of MLST) in footwear with a minimal (MU) and reinforced upper (RU). Ground reaction forces and ankle kinematics were collected to compute ankle joint work. Performing lateral shuffles in the RU condition resulted in significantly reduced positive (MU: 0.53 ± 0.12 J/kg, RU: 0.49 ± 0.11 J/kg; p = 0.003, d = 0.37) and negative (MU: −0.38 ± 0.11 J/kg, RU: −0.33 ± 0.10 J/kg; p = 0.004, d = 0.48) ankle work. A decrease in positive and negative work could be a performance benefit, enabling the athlete to perform the same movement with a lower energy cost. More extreme upper interventions may yield even larger performance benefits.

The Nike Vaporfly 4% (VP4) shoe is popular due to its unique design and reported performance benefits. However, the underlying mechanisms responsible for the improvements remain unclear. One proposed mechanism is the teeter-totter effect. This study aimed to 1) experimentally test the teeter-totter theory by estimating the teeter-totter moment (M_TT) in the VP4 compared to a flat shoe (CONTROL) and 2) quantify the change in the anterior-posterior position of the centre of pressure (Δx_a-p) in the VP4 compared to the CONTROL. Plantar pressures and high-speed video were recorded from 15 runners in two shoe conditions. The VP4 generated a larger propulsion moment, M_P, (∫MPdt = 90.46 ± 38.87 Nms; p < 0.001, d = 1.95), suggesting the presence of an M_TT in the VP4 (∫MTTdt = 57.16 ± 24.35 Nms) when compared to the CONTROL (∫MPdt = 33.30 ± 14.52 Nms). Δx_a-p was greater in the VP4 (Δx_a-p = 9.48 ± 6.08 mm; p < 0.001, d = 2.07) compared to the CONTROL (Δx_a-p = 0.54 ± 0.67 mm). This study provides a methodological proof-of-concept for the teeter-totter theory. The findings highlight the possibility of a teeter-totter effect resulting in greater heel propulsion while running in an AFT shoe construction, assuming a constant muscle moment and pivot point.

In recent times, the Nike Vaporfly 4% marathon shoe has been one of the most exciting shoes designed for competitive runners. It has been shown to lower the energetic cost of running on average by ...

Background/Objectives: Noncontact knee ligament injuries, including anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) ruptures and medial collateral ligament (MCL) sprains, are prevalent in sports that involve frequent cutting and pivoting. Conventional rigid knee braces can offer stability but often compromise comfort and performance, whereas soft sleeve-type supports provide minimal mechanical protection. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the acute biomechanical effects of a tensioned cable knee bracing system on peak knee valgus angle and external knee abduction moment during a controlled lateral shuffle task. Methods: Ten physically active adults (mean age 21.7 ± 3.8 years) performed submaximal lateral shuffle movements under three conditions: unbraced, sleeve-only (zero-tension), and a novel tensioned cable brace. Three-dimensional knee kinematics and ground reaction forces were collected, and peak knee valgus angle and external abduction moment were calculated during the eccentric phase of each movement. Results: Wearing the knee brace under tension significantly reduced knee valgus angle (4.5° vs. 7.9°) and peak external knee abduction moment (1.6 vs. 2.0–2.1 Nm/kg) compared to the unbraced condition. Conclusions: These findings indicate that the tensioned cable brace effectively reduced frontal plane knee loading during a lateral shuffle task, indicating its potential as an effective bracing approach.