Study note • PMID 36626911
Effects of Highly Cushioned and Resilient Racing Shoes on Running Economy at Slower Running Speeds.
Useful, but technique/population sensitive.
ELI5
In plain language
The Nike Vaporfly line of running shoes improves running economy by approximately 2.7% to 4.2% at running speeds of 13 to 18 km.h-1. (controlled study; runners).
The abstract doesn’t indicate a clear change in Running economy under the tested conditions. Treat this as a signal, not a guarantee; confirm methods and context in the full paper.
Takeaways
What the abstract suggests
- • Study question: The Nike Vaporfly line of running shoes improves running economy by approximately 2.7% to 4.2% at running speeds of 13 to 18 km.h-1.
- • The abstract doesn’t indicate a clear change in Running economy under the tested conditions.
- • Population: runners.
- • Protocol cues (title/abstract): 18 km • 12 km • 10 km.
Protocol
Protocol (as reported)
- • Intervention/exposure: highly, cushioned (vs comparison group).
- • Dose/time/duration cues in abstract/title: 18 km • 12 km • 10 km.
- • Outcomes: Running economy.
- • Replication note: abstracts often omit adherence and timing; confirm details before changing training or supplementation.
Fit
Who it helps, and who should skip it
Who it helps
- • Athletes similar to the study population (runners) working on biomechanics.
- • Athletes who can measure Running economy with a repeatable workout or time-trial effort.
Who should skip
- • If you have symptoms or conditions that make the intervention risky, get professional guidance.
- • If you’re near race day and can’t safely test, defer the experiment.
Methods
What the study actually did
- • Design: controlled study.
- • Population: runners.
- • Comparator: comparison group.
- • Outcomes measured: Running economy.
- • Protocol cues mentioned: 18 km • 12 km • 10 km.
- • Source: PubMed PMID 36626911 (2023) — International journal of sports physiology and performance.
Results excerpt
What the abstract reports
“At 12 km.h-1, oxygen consumption (in mL.kg-1.min-1) was lower (-1.4% [1.1%]; P < .001) for VFN2 (35.8 [1.7]) relative to CTRL (36.4 [1.7]).”
Note: excerpts are short; for full context, read the paper.
Limits
Limitations & bias
- • Abstract-only summaries can miss critical details (population, protocol, adherence, and context).
- • Single studies often don’t generalize to your event, history, and training load; treat results as a starting point.
- • If your context differs (elite vs recreational; cycling vs running), adjust expectations and be conservative.
- • This is performance information, not medical advice.
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