The Science Behind The World's Fastest Shoe - Cheddar Explains

Nike introduced the Vaporfly in the 2016 Olympics to Nike-sponsored athletes, three of whom took the top spots in marathon events. Since then, the shoe has been the weapon of choice of elite athletes like those competing in the 2022 Boston Marathon. Why? Because Nike designed the shoe to literally make you faster. To not wear the Vaporfly has become a disadvantage. So how exactly does this shoe increase speeds and should it even be allowed in competition?

Further reading:

University of Colorado

Runners world

Business Insider

Asics

Run Repeat

Global Newswire

Wired

The Atlantic

New York times

Running Magazine

ESPN

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[Dj_Nizzo]

4% increase in efficiency wont make much of a difference for the ‘average’ runner, but it’s a game changer for a professional athlete. It’s the difference between being good, great, or a world record holder.

[TheKingofrock]

When I got my first set of spiked(?) sprinters shoes I beat both my 100m and 400m personal bests at the very next track&field event. I was blown away by the difference shoes could make!

[DeadFishTheKing]

You didn't mention the shape of the sole which is causing the "rocking" effect you were feeling. The turn up at the toe combined with the curve at the heel creates a rocking sole; making it very effecient to roll forward during running and further reducing the amount of energy used

[robbristle]

Absolutely. When you WALK in them you literally feel yourself falling forward. It’s an incredible sensation.

[MrTUBEular]

I remember a documentary highlighting the way we have been running. Most every one tends to run by landing heel first. The natural way to run is by landing toe first and having the heel be the spring of the step. They found this out by following, surprise, Ethiopian and Kenyan runners that preferred running barefoot. After this doc, the "toe" shoes started popping up everywhere, and the closer to the ground mentality came back for a running shoe. This was a solid update.

[ricardo_valadez]

For those who don't run, shoes make a big difference on how you feel. The vaporflys give so much energy return while being really light

[charaznable]

I have never wanted a running shoe before but this has me interested.

[pablsauced]

If anything this makes the athletes from back in the day running with bricks on their feet seem even more impressive imo

[walterroux]

You guys don't end up mentioning one of the breakthrough technologies in the shoe which is the composite plate that lies above the foam that also separates it from other modern shoe design.

[jacobbwalters]

Having worn these, yes, they make you faster- you feel noticeably springier. Other companies have now made comparable models

[wesleytwiggs]

I was surprised when I wore these. I found them to be very uncomfortable to walk in. The way they were balanced made them feel like skates. But when I started running, I could understand why they were balanced that way. PRs we’re almost easy.

[sniper]

I has These for 2 years now and they are amazing. Even the immediate feel is amazing. You feel like they make you move and give impulse

[vigneshs]

You forgot to mention about alpha fly next. It is the upgrade to Vapor fly model and it is the best running shoe in Nike as of today.

[casioamplifier]

These shoes really helped with the runners shin splints. I no longer get shin splints when running for miles.

[codycast]

Runner: “It has nothing to do with the shoe”
“Well let’s see you do it with a normal shoe
Runner: “…….”

[masteryoda]

02:15 The running writer/expert ist named "BURFOOT" 😅

[b.r.e.t.t.s.a.n.d.l.e.r]

Many running shoe brands have their equivalent of the Nike Vapor Fly. So this racing shoe formula is now standard

[corey]

Real life version of getting shoes as a kid and feeling like you run faster

[shmevanriceballz]

“Many consider him to be the greatest marathoner of all time”…..

He literally IS the best

[TheSiameseDreamer]

All sports use improved tech. Cycling, running tracks, pole vaulting... tech moves forward and running should be no different.