Quo vadis advanced footwear technology research?

Since the introduction of advanced footwear technology (AFT), distance running performances have improved significantly, as evidenced by a series of world records and general improvements in both elite and recreational running performances. 1 In their recent systematic review and meta-analysis, Stephen et al. 2 synthesize evidence on how AFT as a whole, as well as longitudinal bending stiffness (LBS) and midsole energy return as key constructional features, affect running economy (RE) and ankle mechanics during running. 2 Their systematic review demonstrates that AFT improves RE by∼ 2.7% at an average running speed of 14.5 km/h. In contrast, their synthesis of the currently available literature suggests that neither LBS nor energy return alone significantly improves oxygen consumption or alters ankle mechanics.