Open Access

Yannick Denis, Hannah Knoke, Luca Braun, Steffen Willwacher

• In recent years, advanced footwear technology (AFT) has contributed to numerous world records in long-distance running, with new models being developed annually. This study investigated the effects of incremental design changes between two consecutive iterations of AFT on running economy (RE) and subjective perceptions in trained male runners. Participants completed submaximal running trials inIn recent years, advanced footwear technology (AFT) has contributed to numerous world records in long-distance running, with new models being developed annually. This study investigated the effects of incremental design changes between two consecutive iterations of AFT on running economy (RE) and subjective perceptions in trained male runners. Participants completed submaximal running trials in the Adidas Adios Pro 3 and Pro 4 models. Results showed a significant 1.31% improvement in RE with the newer Pro 4 model (p < .001), with a decrease in oxygen uptake at submaximal speed. The improvement in RE, likely due to reduced shoe mass, modified rocker geometry, and altered cushioning stiffness, could potentially influence elite competition outcomes. However, while in this study, year to year performance improvements due to model updates were found, these findings not neccesarily translate to year to year modifications in other models and manufacturers. However, the findings contribute to our understanding of how subtle design modifications in successive shoe models can impact running performance.…