Carbon fiber insole energy storage

Can carbon fiber insoles improve athletic performance?

Only a few studies have examined the effects of insoles with carbon fiber plates. Gregory et al. studied the effects of carbon fiber insoles (CFI) on athletic performance, and they reported that CFI could help athletes perform better by minimizing energy loss .

Do carbon fiber plates improve running performance?

Many athletes race with carbon fiber plates embedded in their shoe soles, in an attempt to improve their running performance. However, we sought to establish whether, and if so how, adding carbon fiber plates to shoe soles reduces athlete aerobic energy expenditure during running (improves running economy).

Does adding carbon fiber to shoe soles improve running economy?

Adding carbon fiber plates to shoe soles may not improve running economy. However, they do slightly alter whole-body and calf muscle biomechanics. In competitive athletics, marginal differences can distinguish champions from their competitors.

Can carbon fiber improve running economy?

McLeod AR, Bruening D, Johnson AW, Ward J, Hunter I. Improving running economy through altered shoe bending stiffness across speeds. Footwear Sci. 2020;12:79–89. Beck ON, Golyski PR, Sawicki GS. Adding carbon fiber to shoe soles may not improve running economy: a muscle-level explanation. Sci Rep. 2020;10:17154.

Do carbon fiber shoes affect muscle fascicle dynamics?

To date, no study has assessed muscle fascicle dynamics from athletes running with carbon fiber sole shoes.

Why do athletes use shoes with carbon fiber soles?

Carbon fiber plates added to shoe soles increase the footwear’s 3-point bending stiffness 12, 13, 15, 17, 24, 25, 28 and typically shift the athlete’s center of pressure more anterior along the foot during ground contact 24, 25, 28, 29. This is why athletes use shoes with carbon fiber soles.