What Are “Super Shoes?”
In the past couple years, running records have been dropping like flies because of a breakthrough in shoe technology. Shoes with this new technology are so effective at helping people run faster that they’ve been dubbed “super shoes.”
Copyright © 2021 Sifuentes Coaching LLC
Super Shoes by definition have two specific features:
A thick layer of extremely light and responsive “super foam” (cushioning)
A full-length rigid plate (usually carbon fiber)
Hear from expert biomechanist and ultramarathoner Geoff Burns, PhD on episode 227 of the Strength Running Podcast
New Technology: “Super Foams”
Until recently, the most common cushioning in running shoes has been EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate). New foam materials called “super foams” are superior to EVA for the following reasons:
Can be compressed more and bounce back better than previous foams
Are lighter weight/ less dense
Offer better energy return to the runner
Are easier on our muscles (in other words, they are better at cushioning the impact of every step we take which results in less muscle soreness and reduced recovery time from hard workouts
Don’t break down as quickly as traditional EVA
***Note: the new generation super foams have different names and different chemical make-up depending on the brand of shoe. Some of the new foams still use EVA but in a new way that makes it lighter and bouncier.
New Technology: Rigid Plate
Carbon plates in shoes isn’t actually new, but the new tech is pairing the plate with super foam. The foam is the propulsion in the shoe and the real “difference maker” with super shoes. The purpose of the plate is twofold:
It offers structure in the thick layer of very cushy foam
It guides the foot as is rolls through the heel-midfoot-toe off motion (similar to a stiff orthotic) optimizing the use of the foam
Concerns:
Price: Super Shoes run upwards of $200 USD. But they are a good investment.
Durability: Some runners complain that their super shoes wear out quickly. But it’s important to note that the wear is generally just the outsole material. There is a thick stack of super foam in the midsole that holds up well over time (offering almost the same energy return after hundreds of miles) and the carbon plate doesn’t wear out. You can log a lot of miles in super shoes. Super foams are durable.
Stability: Super shoes can feel a little less stable that traditional running shoes because of the thick stack and minimal racing style uppers. They will stress the ankles and achilles more than traditional running shoes.
Orthotics: Similar to an orthotic, the stiff plate in super shoes guide your footstrike. It may not be smart to double up and put your own orthotics in a super shoe. Either way, it’s prudent to break in your super shoes gradually.
Finding the Right Pair for You:
I don’t do shoe reviews and can’t keep up with all the options. Check out the Carbon Plated Running Shoe Resource Page on Doctor Of Running website!
Nicole Sifuentes is a full-time Running Coach for adults of all ages and abilities. She is a former professional runner and 2-time Olympian, and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. Read more about her services, and schedule your free coaching consultation.