Some Things to Consider When Choosing Trail Shoes | The Effects of Footwear Technology on Mountain Running Performance | Find Your Stride | Edinburgh Podiatrist

Running shoe design and technology has really taken off in recent years, becoming a focal point of research and innovation within the sport. A recent paper by Corbi-Sanamaria et al. (2025) published in Applied Sciences, titled "The Impact of Advanced Footwear Technology on the Performance and Running Biomechanics of Mountain Runners" presents a comprehensive examination of how innovative footwear influences runners' efficiency and biomechanical movements during mountain running. We sought to take a critical look at the methodologies, findings, and implications presented in the paper, which could inform athletes, practitioners and manufacturers alike.

Footwear manufacturers promise a lot from their running shoes, but how much of the technology is actually helpful?

Methods

The study's design incorporates a controlled experimental setup, involving participants who experienced both conventional (CON) and advanced footwear technology (AFT) shoes during rigorous mountain running trials. Such a comparative framework is commendable, as it allows for a direct assessment of performance metrics across two shoe types in varied terrains—uphill, downhill, and mixed. However, while the dual trial approach offers insights, the reliance on subjective measures such as comfort can introduce bias. Future research could benefit from incorporating a larger sample size and longer adaptation periods to mitigate these potential limitations.

Performance Insights

The results of the study reveal that the AFT shoes did not significantly enhance running performance or physiological parameters—such as heart rate and power output—when compared to CON shoes. This finding is particularly striking, as the market often promotes AFT designs as superior due to advanced features like cushioning and support. The paper thus serves as a crucial reminder to both consumers and manufacturers that high-tech claims should be substantiated by empirical evidence.

Biomechanical Considerations

In terms of biomechanics, the AFT shoes were associated with changes in running mechanics, including decreased step frequency and increased vertical oscillation, particularly in uphill and downhill segments. These alterations may have detrimental effects on performance, highlighting a gap in current AFT design philosophies that prioritise technology over function. The findings provoke critical questions about what constitutes optimal footwear—a balance between innovation and practicality appears essential but is often overlooked in marketing narratives.

Subjective Comfort and Its Implications

The authors also report that runners experienced lower levels of comfort with the AFT shoes, specifically regarding forefoot flexibility. This aspect exposes a potential downside to advanced footwear technology, suggesting that manufacturers need to strike a balance between technology and user comfort. While the safety and injury prevention benefits of advanced shoes are often touted, this study underscores the need for footwear that supports the runner's natural biomechanics without sacrificing comfort.

Conclusion and Future Directions

In conclusion, the research published by Corbi-Sanamaria et al. (2025) is a timely contribution to the ongoing discourse surrounding footwear technology in running. It challenges prevalent assumptions about the efficacy of advanced designs while highlighting the importance of rigorous scientific evaluation in sports equipment innovation. Moving forward, additional research that explores the long-term effects of various footwear on performance, along with athlete feedback from diverse populations, will be essential to fully understand the impact of advanced shoe technologies.

This literature review underscores that while technology can enhance athletic performance, it must align with the natural mechanics of the body for effective outcomes. The findings not only inform athletes but also call for footwear manufacturers to re-evaluate design priorities, ensuring a focus on both technical advancement and athlete comfort.

Find Your Stride!