Influence of advanced footwear technology spikes on middle- and long-distance running performance measures in trained runners

Two types of track spikes are commonly used, recently: spikes with a compliant and resilient midsole foam (e.g., PEBA), and spikes that combine such modern foam with a carbon fiber plate. Here we evaluated the effect of these different spike technologies on running performance measures for middle- and long-distance track events in trained runners. Fourteen females performed a single visit with six 200m trials at self-perceived 800m race pace in three different spike conditions (Control, PEBA and PEBA+Plate) twice in a mirrored order. Sixteen males completed four visits. During the first three visits they performed six 200m trials at self-perceived 800m race pace, twice in each condition. Subsequently, they performed a 3,000m time trial in one of the three spike conditions. During visit four, participants completed six 4-minute running economy trials at 5 m/s, twice in each condition. At 800m race pace females ran faster in PEBA (2.1%) and PEBA+Plate (2.0%) compared to Control. Males ran faster in PEBA (1.4%) and PEBA+Plate (2.4%) compared to Control, and in PEBA+Plate compared to PEBA (1.1%). Similarly, males ran the 3,000m time trial faster in PEBA (1.0%) and PEBA+Plate (2.4%) than in Control. Running economy was better in PEBA (5.1%) and PEBA+Plate (4.0%) than in Control. Performance benefits from modern foam spikes with and without a plate are equivalent for female middle-distance running, and for male long-distance running, but larger from modern foam spikes with a plate for male middle-distance running.