_edited.png)
Most all of the research on the benefits of super shoes on running economy have been on a level surface. Do the benefits of the shoes differ when running up or downhill? Researchers at the University of Colorado - Boulder looked at just that. Follow along below to see what they found. Link to their published article can be found at the bottom of this post as well.
Testing Methods
The researchers measured running economy on a flat surface as well as at a 5% incline and decline. This slope is roughly equivalent to the Boston Marathon hills. Check out this link to see what running economy is, how it is measured, and how it impacts performance.
Results
Running economy was significantly improved on level surfaces, as well as at a 5% incline and 5% decline in the Nike Vaporfly 4% relative to a mass-matched control shoe. However, the benefits were slightly less when running uphill than on level surfaces.
Take Home Message
The Vaporfly 4% still offered significant benefits when running up and down hill, although they might be slightly reduced on the uphill and slightly more variable between individuals on the downhill.
Links to Research Paper
Comments