Effects of the Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next% 2 shoe on long‐interval training performance, kinematics, neuromuscular parameters, running power and fatigue

Abstract

ABSTRACTWe analysed the effects of the Nike ZoomX Vaporfly (VPF) on long‐interval training performance, kinematic parameters, running power and fatigue compared to a traditional running shoe. Twelve well‐trained men (mean ± SD: 32.91 ± 7.50 years; 69.29 ± 7.55 kg and 172.73 ± 5.97 cm) performed two long‐interval training sessions (5 × 1000 m with 90s recovery period) 7 days apart, with the VPF shoe or a traditional running shoe (CON) in random order. The countermovement jump (CMJ) height was measured before and after the training sessions and heart rate, spatiotemporal parameters, running power and leg stiffness was measured during training sessions. Running‐related pain was assessed prior and post‐24 h of each training session. Long‐interval training performance improved 2.4% using the VPF shoe compared to CON (p = 0.009; ES = 0.482). Step length, contact time and leg stiffness were higher (p < 0.05; ES = 0.51, ES = 0.677, ES = 0.356) while flight time was lower (p < 0.001; ES = 0.756) when using VPF. Running power decreased in a similar way in both conditions throughout the training session. Vertical power was significantly higher in the VPF condition (p = 0.023, ES = 0.388). CMJ height decreased in both conditions after training (4.7 vs. 7.2%, for the VPF and control, respectively, p < 0.001; ES = 0.573). Finally, the perceived muscle pain was influenced by the shoe model condition (chi‐square 5.042, P = 0.025). VPF shoes improved the long‐interval training performance with similar running power, heart rate and neuromuscular fatigue, and reduced subjective perceived muscle pain compared to regular training shoes.