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We compared biomechanical and subjective data from outdoor running in: habitual (OWN), Saucony Endorphin Racer 2 minimal (FLAT) and Nike Vaporfly 4% (VP4) shoes. We also explored relationships between comfort measures and the collected data. Eighteen male recreational runners ran three 1.5-km trials outdoors, once per shoe. The first 1.1 km was run at a self-selected comfortable (slower) speed, and last 400 m at perceived 5-km race pace (faster). A GPS-enabled smartwatch, 15-m Optojump system, high-speed camera and tibial accelerometer collected biomechanical data. Subjective data on comfort, shoe properties and overall running experience were collected using visual analogue scales (VAS) and rankings. Cadence, leg stiffness and vertical stiffness were greater in FLAT than both OWN and VP4 at the slower speed (trivial to small ES). At both speeds, footstrike angles were smaller in FLAT (small to large ES), while propulsion phase was shorter in VP4 (moderate to large ES). FLAT was ranked as the least comfortable at the slower speed and most likely to cause injury, whereas OWN as the most comfortable and least likely to cause injury. Comfort was not significantly different at the faster speed between shoes. Comfort measures were more strongly correlated to subjective than biomechanical data. The two experimental shoes generally had non-significant or small effects on running biomechanics versus OWN. As VP4 are more like traditional than minimal shoes, these were perceived as more comfortable. Running speed appeared to affect subjective measures. Speed should be considered when prescribing and selecting shoes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objectives of this study were (1) to compare opinions of runners and non-runners about running footwear, and (2) to identify where runners seek information when selecting their shoes. Using an online survey, we collected data on demographics and opinions about running footwear in runners and in non-runners. Runners answered additional questions about their training, running experience, and sources of information. Questions about running shoes were the same for both groups. These addressed opinions about the influence of footwear on injuries, performance and biomechanics, as well as the opinion about appropriate footwear features for novice runners, children or overweight individuals. In total, 1601 responses (59% runners, 41% non-runners) were analyzed. With the exception of kids' running shoes recommendations, runners and non-runners shared similar perceptions towards running shoes. In addition, runners mostly relied on running stores, sports stores, the internet, running clubs or magazines when seeking information about running shoes. Some opinions of runners may not be in line with the current literature. Given the similar perceptions in runners and non-runners, our findings suggest that runners' knowledge is mostly influenced by popular beliefs rather than scientific evidence. Thus, runners might benefit from evidence-based education initiatives on footwear, although it remains unknown if this could benefit running performance or injury rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]