Effects Of Advanced Footwear Technology On Running Economy, Biomechanics And Performance During A Half-Hour Treadmill Run

Description

This research was presented at the RSU International Student Conference 2026 in Sports Medicine, Sports Science, Rehabilitology and Medical Simulations section. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Nike Alphafly 3 carbon-plated shoes on running economy and biomechanics during a 30-minute submaximal treadmill run.
The research was conducted at Sports Healthcare Research Centre (Riga Stradins University Latvian Academy of Sport Education) and thirty elite long-distance runners participated in this study. Results showed that running in the Nike Alphafly 3 carbon-plated shoes was associated with significantly lower blood lactate levels and reduced heart rate, with some participants demonstrating decreases greater than 10 bpm compared to the non-plated condition. Perceived exertion was consistently lower, although comfort varied, particularly among rearfoot strikers and runners unfamiliar with the specific shoe model. Kinematic analysis indicated longer step length and increased vertical oscillation.
Overall, the findings suggest that the Nike Alphafly 3 carbon-plated shoes provides physiological advantages over conventional running footwear and may reduce fatigue during submaximal running, with greater benefits observed in forefoot and midfoot runners compared to rearfoot strikers.
Current study is funded by the RSU Student Innovation Grants 2024.-2025.

Period	26 Mar 2026 → 27 Mar 2026
Event title	RSU International Student Conference 2026
Event type	Conference
Location	Riga, LatviaShow on map
Degree of Recognition	International