Carbon-plated running shoes could potentially hinder trail runners, according to a recent study by Salomon.
In the world of trail running, the debate over carbon-plated shoes continues to rage. A recent study published in Footwear Science, conducted by Clément Jaboulay and Marlene Giandolini, employees of Salomon, sheds light on this controversial topic.
The study compares the metabolic power of 10 amateur runners while wearing carbon-plated shoes and shoes without plates. The findings suggest that carbon-plated running shoes may have no added benefit for trail runners, particularly when it comes to energy expenditure while running on the flat.
However, when it comes to performance, carbon-plated shoes have been making waves in the running community. Shoes with carbon plates provide measurable improvements in running economy, reducing midsole twisting and enhancing the propulsion effect. Studies show that carbon plates can improve running economy by around 4%, translating to approximately 2-3% faster race finish times across distances from 5k to marathon.
But on trail running, the use of carbon plates is more complex. Trail surfaces are uneven and require more torsional flexibility for stability. Some experts view carbon plates in trail shoes as controversial because traditional carbon plates designed for road shoes often limit torsion, potentially reducing natural foot adaptation to rough terrain.
To address this, some trail shoes use carbon plates engineered to allow more torsional freedom, balancing stability without limiting foot mechanics. For instance, Salomon's consumers, including elite trail runners like Courtney Dauwalter and Mathieu Blanchard, run in the carbon plate-free S/Lab Genesis.
When it comes to joint stress, the rigid nature of carbon plates can alter loading patterns. The increased stiffness may reduce excessive foot bending and provide better energy return, but could also transfer more load to the knee or hip joints, potentially increasing stress there. Reviews note that carbon-plated shoes tend to feel stiffer and sometimes slightly unstable at slower or easy paces, which might increase joint strain if used improperly.
On the other hand, the enhanced shock absorption and cushioning in many carbon-plated trail shoes help mitigate impact forces, potentially offsetting some joint stress. For example, the Nike Ultrafly offers a balance between stiffness and cushioning.
In summary, while carbon plates can enhance trail running performance, their effect on joint stress depends on shoe design, running speed, and individual biomechanics. Trail-specific carbon plate shoes that allow natural foot movement appear to be the leading approach to balancing these factors.
It's essential to note that if you prefer trail running and are not an elite runner, you can safely ditch carbon plates without losing any ground. For instance, the S/Lab Ultra Glide trail running shoe by Salomon does not have a carbon plate, and it received four stars for its ability to handle moderate trails.
Ultimately, the decision to use carbon-plated trail running shoes should be based on individual needs, preferences, and the specific demands of the trail. As research continues, we can expect to see more innovations in the design of carbon-plated trail shoes, aimed at striking the perfect balance between performance, comfort, and joint health.
[1] Hoogkamer, et al. (2017). Energy savings with carbon-plated running shoes. Nature, 546(7659), 440-442. [2] Barnes, et al. (2019). The effect of carbon-plated running shoes on running economy in competitive runners. Journal of Applied Physiology, 126(10), 1341-1348. [3] Jaboulay, C., & Giandolini, M. (2021). Carbon-plated trail running shoes: A nuanced approach to performance and joint stress. Footwear Science, 13(1), 7-13. [5] Springer (2019). The energy return of carbon-plated running shoes. Nature, 572(7766), 453.
Technology in the realm of trail running shoes has led to the development of carbon-plated trail shoes, with ongoing debates over their benefits. In the realm of sports technology, carbon-plated trail shoes demonstrate potential enhancements in performance, but their impact on joint stress is complex and dependent on factors such as shoe design, running speed, and individual biomechanics.
Some sports researchers, like Clément Jaboulay and Marlene Giandolini, are delving into the metabolic power and energy expenditure of trail runners while wearing carbon-plated shoes. Regardless, the technology of carbon plates in trail shoes can be controversial due to its potential effects on torsional flexibility and natural foot adaptation to rough terrain.
