The use of Advanced Footwear Technology shoes in amateur runners

Abstract Purpose . Advanced Footwear Technology (AFT) are performance enhancing shoes that combines lightweight, resilient midsole foams with rigid moderators and pronounced rocker profiles in the soles. This was a pilot study that explored the use of AFT during training and competition and to describe the injuries sustained in amateur runners. Methods . This was a retrospective cross-sectional observational pilot study in which 61 amateur runners completed an anonymous questionnaire to determine: demographic characteristics; running activities and injuries sustained using AFT. Results . The main brands used were Nike (41%), Adidas (12%), Hoka (11%), Sauconi (10%), New Balance (8%), Puma (8%), Brooks (5%), Mizuno (3%), Under Armour (2%). Runners used AFT once a week (67.8%), up to three times a week (27.1%), and 6 times a week (5.1%) less than a year (35%), from 1 to 3 years (50%), and more than 3 years (15%). The 61.7% runners perceived a change in running technique, with greater support on the forefoot (40%), higher activation of calf muscles (36%), different torso position (13.3%), and running instability (10.7%). Onset of delayed muscle soreness appeared after 24 hours training session (62.1%), after 3 months (20.7%), after 1 month (10.3%), and after 1 week (6.9%) the use of AFT. Eight runners (11.8%) reported that they sustained an injury after the use of AFT. Conclusions . The use of AFT leads to a change perception in running technique amateur runners. Therefore, they should introduce them gradually in their training routine.