[+] The Psychological Effect Of Super Shoes

Running Faster Through The Power Of Thoughts

Since the advent of "super shoes" in 2017, a lot has changed in the world of running. Records are falling like dominoes, but even for amateur runners, breaking any previous PB no longer seems impossible. One thing is for sure: these shoes make you go faster. Noticeably faster. But what else do they do for us?

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For the few who may not yet know what Super Shoes, also somewhat misleadingly called carbon-plated shoes, are, here is a brief digression: they are running shoes that contain a thin, light and stiff carbon fiber plate in the midsole. In combination with a thick, special cushioning material, usually Pebax, they improve running economy and propulsion. Put simply, you can run longer and faster with these shoes.

For a long time, Nike was regarded as the only sports brand capable of developing proper super shoes. Nowadays, however, almost every running shoe manufacturer has at least one carbon model in its range and this year in particular, Nike's two record-breaking top dogs, the Alphafly and the Vaporfly, are facing stiff competition. And that's a good thing, because not every runner gets on equally well with the same shoe. The biomechanical processes involved in running are highly individual and a super shoe that helps one person to a new personal best will slow another down and, in the worst case, even lead to injury.

Despite this risk – and the horrendous prices – super shoes are very popular. But is this really only due to the physical performance enhancement? I believe that these shoes have another effect that is often overlooked. A psychological one.

(Super shoes in the wild at the Valencia Marathon 2023)