Marathon shoes vs. track spikes: a crossover pilot study on metabolic demand at different speeds in experienced runners

The aim of this study was to assess the metabolic cost (Cr) with marathon shoes (Adidas Adizero 3 [AA]) vs. track spikes (Nike Zoom Matumbo 3 [NZM]) on track. For this, five experienced runners were randomly assessed (NZM/AA) on a running track at 73% and 85% of best performance speed on 1500-m race. At first, speed (4.39 +/- 0.53 m center dot s(-1)), Crs with AA and NZM resulted 3.63 +/- 0.29 and 3.64 +/- 0.43 J center dot kg(-1)center dot m(-1) (+0.3% with NZM, effect size [ES] small and p = 0.951), respectively. Besides, at second speed (5.20 +/- 0.18 m center dot s(-1)), Crs were 4.09 +/- 0.28 and 4.07 +/- 0.22 J center dot kg(-1)center dot m(-1) (-0.5% with NZM, ES small and p = 0.919) with AA and NZM, respectively. It resulted in an increased Cr (+12.2%) between s1 and s2 with both shoe conditions (ES large and p = 0.009 and 0.011 with AA and NZM, respectively). There is a pattern yet to be confirmed for track spikes to become more beneficial at higher speeds (when duty factor becomes lower and therefore grip on track is crucial).

Automated summary

The aim of this study was to compare the metabolic cost between marathon shoes and track spikes on a running track. The results showed that there was no significant difference in metabolic cost between the two shoe conditions at different speeds. However, there may be a potential benefit of using track spikes at higher speeds, although further research is needed to confirm this.