Illegal running shoes | Running shoe rules | Facts

Nike Air Zoom Alphafly Next%

Probably the most talked about shoe, or at least the entire technology behind the shoe has been heavily debated. But now it should be safe and established. This type of running shoe is not illegal. Although it has been rife in the running world for a long time now that this shoe should be illegal. It was not initially. However, Nike has had to go through some changes to make this model fit the legislation and so that their athletes can use it for the 2020 Olympics

Under 2 hours at the marathon

There has long been a lot of mystery and controversy surrounding these Nike running shoes. Specifically, it concerns the Nike Zoom Vaporfly NEXT% and its “successor”.Nike Air Zoom Alphafly Next%. The latter running shoe from Nike is the shoe that Eliud Kipchoge broke the magical 2-hour marathon barrier with. And since then there have been lots of opinions about whether the innovation around running shoes has gone too far. Are we moving into technological doping for runners? In the Nike Air Zoom Alphafly Next% that Eliud stepped into that day in October 2019 (October 12, 2019) was a specially made version for him. It contained 3 carbon plates in the sole. And that’s roughly what it’s all about. These carbon plates act as a “catapult” and help bring more energy and thus much more pace to every step you take. Several studies show that in 2019, most races were won with Nike Vaporfly shoes on their feet. And considering that not everyone has access to the “tuned model” that Nike has developed specifically for Eliud Kipchoge, we assume that they are won over by the “regular version” of either the Nike Vaporfly 4% or the newer model Nike Vaporfly NEXT%. The regular version has “only” one carbon plate in the sole. Then you can multiply that effect by three, and you have the extra energy that Eliud apparently set the amazing record with. And that is the issue that is being debated in the running world right now. Should innovation in running shoes be slowed down? Should there be standards when it comes to competition running shoes? Are we in the throes of technological doping?

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What rules must running shoes meet?

In the wake of this whole discussion about running shoes, and in particular the Nike Vaporfly models, the rules regarding running shoes for competitive use have been tightened. It’s not rocket science per se, but it’s about some pretty basic things, generally speaking. In their update of the rules in 2020, the International Association of Athletics Federations has legislated about:

The height of the midsole

The height of the sole in running shoes simply must not exceed 40mm. That is the absolute maximum height. That does not endanger the Nike Vaporfly NEXT. For example, it has a height of 36mm. However, Nike probably cannot avoid taking a look at the prototype of the Nike Zoom Alphafly.

Number of carbon plates

A maximum of 1 carbon plate may be used in the shoe, not 2-3-4 as, for example, Nike has experimented with.

The availability of running shoes

You can’t run in prototypes anymore. The running shoe Eliud Kipchoge wore in the race where he broke the 2-hour record. It was a prototype from Nike. And what defines a prototype? If you ask the International Association of Athletics Federations, it depends on availability in this case. A running shoe must have been available to everyone for a minimum of 4 months before it meets the requirements. Generally speaking, that’s how it is. As a little twist, the International Association of Athletics Federations always has the right to investigate the matter. If there is any doubt as to whether the rules have been followed, they can pull the shoe in for examination whenever they want.

Nike Air Zoom Alphafly Next is legit

Many have had an opinion about it. But now it is certain. Nike has had their Nike Zoom Alphafly model approved. It is legal, and it will be launched in 2020. Many have had doubts, including the undersigned, about whether Nike will succeed. But one is tempted to say, of course it did. Their big investment in the Nike Alphafly is bearing fruit as usual. The running shoe is being launched, and it will adorn lots of athletes at the 2020 Olympics. There has been discussion about whether the shoe would meet the new legal requirements for running shoes. The annoying carbon plates in particular have been an issue, but certainly also the height of the sole. Both parts should be in place by now, and therefore it is a fact that the shoe will be launched. Nike should have hit a sole height of 39.5mm, only half a millimeter from the requirement of 40mm.

I’ve been a big fan of the VaporFly NEXT% myself and have practically had that running shoe on my feet since it came out the door, so I’m looking forward like a little child to seeing and feeling the Nike Air Zoom AlphaFly NEXT.

Nike Air Zoom Alphafly Next% arrived in under 2 hours

The Nike Air Zoom Alphafly Next% is the first running shoe to break the 2-hour mark in a marathon. At least that’s the name Nike has chosen to launch the shoe with. A launch that is currently set to take place in the 2020 Olympics. Not in the “Eliud Kipchoge edition” with the 3 carbon plates, but in a more common edition with just one carbon plate. But Nike needs to move fast. Because according to the latest rules for competition running shoes, the shoe must have been on the market for 4 months, available to everyone, before it can be used in competition. If this is not met, the athlete can be stripped of the victory.

A 3-stage rocket

The Nike AlphaFly model is the third step in a Vaporfly rocket. It started with the VaporFly 4%, which was launched at the time with the idea that this shoe could improve the marathon distance by 4%. This was followed by the Nike Vaporfly NEXT%, an updated version of its predecessor. This time, they couldn’t put an exact percentage on it, but since it had been upgraded from the 4% shoe, they chose to call it NEXT% instead of, for example, 5%. It all ended up in the Nike Zoom AlphaFly NEXT%.

Nike Alphafly vs. Nike Vaporfly NEXT%

In short: When the Nike Alphafly is launched for non-Nike elite runners, it will be an update of the Nike Vaporfly NEXT%. The new Nike AlphaFly will feature more ZoomX foam in the sole, a lighter and more flexible flyknit upper, and, like its predecessor, a carbon plate in the sole.

AlphaFly comes in cheaper versions

When the Nike Zoom Alphafly is launched, it will bring a few exciting alternatives with it. The Nike Air Zoom Tempo NEXT% and Nike Air Zoom Tempo NEXT% FlyEase are the names of the models. In short, these are shoes that, according to Nike, have the same principles as the Alphafly, but which will be more geared towards daily training. The shoes will not initially contain a carbon plate, but according to Nike, there will also be plenty of parallels. We are certainly looking forward to seeing what it has to offer. As a starting point, my assessment is that these models will land at a cheaper price point than the “top model”

Should running shoes be banned?

That’s just my own opinion. No, I don’t think that should be done. And fortunately we didn’t get there either. So it ended up being a full-blown ban. In my world, it’s fine to regulate and set up frameworks that the shoe must stay within, as long as it doesn’t get out of hand. If there weren’t rules to play by, then those with the most money would just win. And here Nike is pretty comfortable, I think. It’s a bit like car manufacturers also have some frameworks they have to comply with in relation to the environment, etc. when they produce cars. There should be frameworks, but still room for development and innovation. So specifically, I think right now that the solution that exists actually works. Because in my eyes, Nike shouldn’t be punished for having invented something unique. On the contrary, they shouldn’t win everything just because they have the most money. That’s why I think it works the way it’s set up now.