# Mechanisms, Economy, and Performance of Advanced Footwear Technology in Endurance Running—A Review

## TL;DR

This review explores how advanced running shoes with carbon plates improve performance and economy, and what mechanisms make them effective.

## Contribution

The paper provides a critical evaluation of biomechanical and physiological mechanisms behind advanced footwear technology in endurance running.

## Key findings

- Carbon-plated shoes improve running economy by 2–4%, translating to 1–2% better performance.
- The mechanisms behind the effectiveness of AFT are not fully understood, despite widespread use.
- Individual biomechanics interact with shoe design, affecting how benefits are realized.

## Abstract

Since the introduction of advanced footwear technology (AFT) in 2017, numerous world records from 5 km to the marathon have been broken. Among these innovations, carbon-plated shoes have received particular attention. Previous research indicates improvements of 2–4% in running economy (RE), which translates into an approximate 1–2% improvement in running performance when running in these shoes. The rapid progression of performance has generated significant scientific interest; however, a clear understanding of the mechanisms driving the effectiveness of AFT remains limited. Despite widespread adoption and remarkable results, the mechanisms underlying the effectiveness of AFT are still not fully understood, which is why optimising its potential benefits continues to be an ongoing challenge. This review summarises current knowledge on AFT and critically evaluates the biomechanical and physiological mechanisms underlying their effects on RE and performance. It also highlights the interaction between shoe design features and individual biomechanics, supporting evidence-based approaches to footwear selection and training strategies tailored to athletes’ needs. A clearer understanding of these mechanisms may provide valuable insights for researchers, coaches, and athletes and help maximise the potential benefits of AFT.