A Review of the Potential Effects of theWorld Athletics Stack Height Regulation on the Footwear Function and Running Performance
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Ruiz Alías, Santiago Alejo; Jaén Carrillo, Diego; Roche Seruendo, Luis Enrique; Pérez Castilla, Alejandro; Soto Hermoso, Víctor Manuel; García Pinillos, FelipeEditorial
MDPI
Materia
Running performance Running biomechanics Footwear technology
Date
2023-10-26Referencia bibliográfica
Ruiz-Alias, S.A.; Jaén-Carrillo, D.; Roche-Seruendo, L.E.; Pérez-Castilla, A.; Soto-Hermoso, V.M.; García-Pinillos, F. A Review of the Potential Effects of theWorld Athletics Stack Height Regulation on the Footwear Function and Running Performance. Appl. Sci. 2023, 13, 11721. https://doi.org/10.3390/app132111721
Sponsorship
Spanish Ministry of Universities under the grant FPU19/00542Abstract
This review aims to synthesize and discuss the potential effects of a stack height modification
on the function of the different footwear features and their effects on running performance.
Peer-reviewed studies were identified from electronic databases using a structured keyword search
and a screening process. Complementary sources were used to illustrate and discuss the current
racing footwear constructions. With regard to the shoe mass, it is suggested that a stack height
difference of 20 mm could induce a meaningful effect on performance. With respect to the midsole
properties, it seems that reducing the stack height does not alter the energy returned, given that the
lower midsole deformation is counteracted with an increased stiffness. However, it should be noted
that this might affect the timing of the midsole deformation and restitution, which should be matched
with the mid and propulsive stance phases. Lastly, the curved geometry of the forefoot sole needed
to create the teeter-totter effect could be affected by the stack height reduction. However, current
racing footwear designs have counteracted this modification by proximately placing the rocker axis
and increasing the toe spring.