Evaluation of running economy in runners wearing shoes that elicit natural forefoot strikes

Abstract

It is well recognized that many elite long-distance runners are forefoot (nonrearfoot, NRF) strikers; however, current scientific evidence does not support the metabolic benefits of NRF running, specifically the benefit of reduced oxygen consumption (VO2) (Anderson et al., 2020). Prior studies that evaluated the effects of foot strike patterns on running economy relied on assessments of VO2 between runners with NRF and rearfoot (RF) strikes or before and after a voluntary manipulation of foot strike patterns. These approaches may not be sufficiently sensitive to detect potential small differences in the running economy associated with foot strike pattern, if any. Recently available on the market are running shoes that elicit natural and involuntary NRF strikes (Figure 1, Wave Duel Pro, WDP). An evaluation of running economy that compares NRF and RF runners wearing these new shoes with those wearing traditional shoes would provide new insights for a better understanding of foot strike pattern and running economy.