Authors
Megan Spencer, Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering
Nathan Goldcamp, Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering
Jean L. McCrory, Department of Health Professions, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
International Journal of Exercise Science 18(7): 1121-1132, 2025.
DOI: 10.70252/JMBI4851
Abstract
Carbon-fiber shoes feature a stiff yet lightweight curved carbon-fiber plate embedded in the sole and a resilient midsole foam. These shoes create spring-like rebounding effect that has proven to decrease energy consumption and enhance athletic performance. To date, most biomechanics research on carbon-fiber shoes has been laboratory-based. The purpose of our study was to compare running biomechanics in competitive runners wearing carbon-fiber shoes or traditional shoes using wearable sensors on an outdoor composite track. Ten elite runners (9F, 1M) who consistently ran over 30 miles per week and owned a pair of carbonfiber shoes participated. The experiment consisted of three 40-meter run trials in carbon-fiber shoes and three trials in traditional running shoes. The self-selected speed was held constant between the two conditions. Two Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs) were strapped on subject’s right foot and tibia to measure biomechanical parameters including tibial acceleration, eversion velocity, stance time, stride frequency, sagittal plane angular velocity of the foot at toe-off, and sagittal plane angular acceleration of the foot during propulsion. A paired sample t test was used to compare between shoe conditions. Sagittal plane angular acceleration of the foot during propulsion was significantly greater in the carbon-fiber shoes, 8774.4±4348.2 𝑑𝑒𝑔/𝑠𝑒𝑐!, compared to 7492.9±3495.0 𝑑𝑒𝑔/𝑠𝑒𝑐! for traditional shoes (P=0.01, Cohen’s d=0.513). Additionally, sagittal plane angular velocity of the foot at toe-off approached significance (carbon-fiber: 953.1±227.9deg/sec, traditional: 881.0±216.1deg/sec, P=0.082, Cohen’s d=0.326). No other differences were noted. Carbon-fiber shoes create a more efficient toe-off by providing greater propulsive acceleration during push-off.
Recommended Citation
Spencer, Megan; Goldcamp, Nathan; McCrory, Jean L. (2025) “Influence of Carbon-fiber Shoes on Outdoor Running Biomechanics as Assessed with Wearable Sensors,” International Journal of Exercise Science: Vol. 18 : Iss. 7, Pages 1121-1132.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.70252/JMBI4851