For some years now, the shoes worn by the world’s best athletes, especially in middle and long distance events, have undergone an enormous evolution in designs and materials, changes so profound in the so-called ‘war’ of shoes between sports brands, that they generated a controversial debate about the limits of technology
So much so that World Athletics was forced to regulate restrictions affecting the thickness of the sole (40 millimeters maximum) and the use of rigid plates (of any material), among other aspects, given that the greater reactivity of many models – with a similar effect to that of a spring – resulted in improvements that could reach around 3%.
Now, in a further step, Thai company Vingrun has designed sandals with carbon plates specifically for long-distance running. Although they are still in the testing phase, KenyanBarnabas Kiplimo has demonstrated the versatility of this footwear after winning the Khon Kaen Marathon in Thailand.
The marathon runner prevailed in a time of 2:18:55, a great showcase for the upcoming launch of the sandals, which will be marketed in March with a starting cost of $169. The athlete was able to maintain an average pace of 3:17/km.