Nike Vaporfly & Next% shoes - A clear and present danger...

... to major running shoe brands. With the recent sub-2hr marathon marketing events and a host of top athletes setting personal and global records Nike are dominating headlines again in the grey areas of sport. They produce a very good shoe and provide the hype to shove it in the face of any enthusiastic runner with the financial means to give it a go.

This recent study from the New York Times comparing Strava data over the last 4 years shows a minimum pace increase of 2% up to 5% in like for like runners in these 2 Nike models.

The article states that these percentage gains are not due to only the fastest runners using the shoes but like for like runners make gains to. However, to conflict with this slightly they also note that "an overwhelming share of runners - particularly faster one's - reported switching to these shoes" in this updated study.

Don't get me wrong, the stats speak for themselves at this stage, but these are likely the most well trained and financially supported runners. This means a greater likelihood of committing to a training plan and access to cross-training or therapeutic modalities. The caution here is for runners switching straight over to these shoes and being able to adapt. Sharp increases in training can produce injury and although these shoes offer a greater running economy (easier workload) the measurement for this is based on cardio-vascular capability. How does this translate to the stress/strain capacity on muscles and tendons? The more efficient foot and ankle complex may well increase strain higher up the posterior chain, i.e. hamstrings.

If any training alterations create this much change from one run to another there has to be an adaptive change process that if not introduced gradually has the potential for injury. Bear this in mind if switching to these shoes and be diligent in your aftercare, stretching, massage, cross-training.

Below is the link to the article and I welcome any comments or questions on your thoughts.... p.s. You'll see a whole lot more of this type of shoe from other brands this year!