Date Available
4-30-2025
Year of Publication
2025
Document Type
Master's Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
College
Education
Department/School/Program
Kinesiology and Health Promotion
Faculty
Stuart Best
Faculty
Haley Bergstrom
Abstract
Background: The recent increase in popularity of minimal shoes in endurance running is linked to potential improvements in running economy and reduced injury risk. However, high performance running shoes, specifically designed to improve running economy remain the fastest shoe to wear when racing. Purpose: Knowing this, the aim of this paper is to examine whether or not the habitual use of minimal shoes increases the benefits of the high performance shoes. This will guide practitioners and athletes when establishing shoe rotations and training plans during race preparation. Methods: The study consisted of 4 sessions: Sessions 1 and 2 were maximal graded exercise tests in high performance racing (HPR) or minimalist (MS) shoes (randomized order). During Session 3 participants completed three, 5-minute running bouts in each shoe (6 bouts total) at 50%, 60%, and 70% VO2Max. Session 4 was similar, but the bouts were at fixed speeds of 7 & 8 mph. VO2, HR and running power (Stryd) were measured throughout each session. Results: There were main effects for 7 mph (p=0.016) and 8 mph (p=0.003) bouts for VO2 between shoes, with VO2 being higher when wearing minimal shoes compared to high performance shoes. There were main effects for running power between shoes at 7 mph (p=0.003) and 8 mph (p=0.004) with power being greater in minimal shoes compared to high performance shoes. There were main effects for speed between footwear at 50%VO2Max (p=0.011), 60%VO2Max (p< 0.001), and 70% VO2Max (p=0.041) with High performance shoes performing at higher speeds compared to minimal shoes. Conclusions: Regardless of prior experience, the use of minimal shoes increases metabolic expenditure and is less efficient than high performance shoes.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
https://doi.org/10.13023/etd.2025.101
Recommended Citation
Harris, Dalton C., "THE EFFECTS HABITUAL TRAINING SHOE USE HAS ON RUNNING ECONOMY WHEN TRANSITIONING TO HIGH PERFORMANCE RUNNING SHOES" (2025). Theses and Dissertations--Kinesiology and Health Promotion. 123.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/khp_etds/123
