"The Impact of Advanced Footwear Technology on Running Economy"

The aim of the project is to evaluate the effects of Advanced Footwear Technology (AFT) on running economy and biomechanics in elite long-distance runners. Within this framework, scientifically grounded information has been obtained regarding the impact of AFT on athletic performance enhancement. The project has contributed to the development of research methodology for studying AFT, created practical value for the running community (including the promotion of sports science), and fostered the individual's knowledge and capability in research and project writing.
Target group: Elite long-distance runners.
Project Implementation Location: The project was carried out at the RSU LSPA “Sports Healthcare and Research Centre” (Riga, Brīvības gatve 333, LV–1001).
Outputs and Achievements:
One scientific publication—a review article titled “Mechanisms, Economy, and Performance of Advanced Footwear Technology in Endurance Running—A Review”—was published in Muscles (MDPI, 2026, 5(1), 2). In addition, a manuscript of the practical research component has been prepared.
The research report “Effects of Advanced Footwear Technology on Running Economy and Biomechanics during a Half-Hour Treadmill Run” received 1st place in the “RSU ISC 2026” conference in the section of Sports Medicine / Sports Science / Rehabilitation / Medical Simulation.
Participation has been confirmed at the European College of Sport Science (ECSS) Congress in Lausanne, Switzerland (July 7–10, 2026), with the presentation “Effects of Advanced Footwear Technology on Running Economy During a 30-Minute Submaximal Treadmill Run.”

The results of the study demonstrated the effectiveness of  AFT (Nike Alphafly 3) compared to conventional running shoes. Biochemical express diagnostics (blood lactate concentration) measurements shown significantly lower values (up to 5 mmol/L) in all study participants when running in carbon-plated shoes (p < 0.001). Additionally, lower heart rate values were observed (up to 10–15 beats per minute; p < 0.05). Regardless of a dominant foot strike pattern or other biomechanical characteristics, all runners reported a lower perceived exertion (p < 0.001) values when running in carbon-plates shoes. Running kinematics indicated a tendency toward reduced step frequency and prolonged ground contact time when running in Nike Alphafly 3.