Whoa! Banning a shoe??
Nike's Vaporfly shoe, the latest version of which was worn by a marathon winner who smashed a world record last year, is reportedly set to be banned by World Athletics (formerly known as the International Association of Athletic Federations) amid allegations that its unique design provides an unfair advantage to runners.
In 2018, Nike also introduced the Zoom Vaporfly Elite Flyprint, which is 0.39 ounces lighter than the Vaporfly 4% and made with a more breathable upper layer.
Highlighted design features of the latest iteration—the ZoomX Vaporfly Next%—include its controversial foam which has been "scientifically proven in Nike's Sport Research Lab to further increase energy return" as well as "redistributed to decrease the offset from 11 mm to 8 mm [0.43 inches to 0.31 inches] to provide a more stable feeling and help maximize energy return at the critical toe-off," Nike describes.
My opinion: with multiple shoe companies manufacturing multiple styles of running shoes, it's really gonna get to be a Pandora's Box if they start banning shoes on a style-by-style basis.
He agrees:
"Innovations occur at the top level of competition so it is difficult to tell if it is the shoe [Vaporfly] or the company [Nike] just picked the right runner. If there is an advantage to the shoe, it may be better to provide for all who wish to use the shoe. I would bet that Brooks, Adidas, etc are all working on competitive prototypes. It will be hard to ban each shoe." (William Roberts, University of Minnesota)
I think the big question to be answered: is it innovation? or cheating?
Grace & Peace & Love to you all -
Matt