Kinematics of recreational male runners in super, minimalist and habitual shoes

We conducted an exploratory analysis to compare running kinematics of 16 male recreational runners wearing Nike Vaporfly 4% (VP4), Saucony Endorphin racing flat (FLAT), and their habitual (OWN) footwear. We also explored potential relationships between kinematic and physiological changes. Runners (age: 33 +/- 12 y, V O-2peak: 55.2 +/- 4.3 ml . kg(-1).min(-1)) attended 3 sessions after completing an V O-2peak test in which sagittal plane 3D kinematics at submaximal running speeds (60%, 70% and 80%. V O-2peak) were collected alongside economy measures. Kinematics were compared using notched boxplots, and between-shoe kinematic differences were plotted against between-shoe economy differences. Across intensities, VP4 involved longer flight times (6.7 to 10.0 ms) and lower stance hip range of motion (similar to 3 degrees), and greater vertical pelvis displacement than FLAT (similar to 0.4 cm). Peak dorsiflexion angles (similar to 2 degrees), ankle range of motion (1.0 degrees to 3.9 degrees), and plantar-flexion velocities (11.3 to 89.0 deg . sec(-1)) were greatest in FLAT and lowest in VP4. Foot-ground angles were smaller in FLAT (2.5 degrees to 3.6 degrees). Select kinematic variables were moderately related to economy, with higher step frequencies and longer step lengths in VP4 and FLAT associated with improved economy versus OWN. Footwear changes from OWN altered running kinematics. The most pronounced differences were observed in ankle, spatiotemporal, and foot-ground angle variables.

Automated summary

This study compared the running kinematics of different footwear and explored the relationship between kinematics and physiological changes. The results showed that different shoes had significant effects on ankle joint, spatiotemporal variables, and foot-ground angles during running.