Previously, running shoes were “flats” designed with a less-is-more approach. Carbon-plated supershoes from various brands are now worn by your average runners chasing personal records at major marathons around the world. Since the Vaporfly’s debut in 2016, runners have shattered world records, including achieving a sub-two-hour marathon. Japanese marathon runner Yusuke Ogura wears Nike Zoom Vaporfly running shoes in Marugame City in 2020. But while supershoes have transformed the landscape of professional running, the sport requires much more than a sturdy pair of running shoes.

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Persons: ”, Elliott Heath, Heath, Fiona O’Keeffe, James Gilbert, ” O’Keeffe, “, LZR, Yusuke Ogura, Kota, Vaporflys, ” Heath, Tigst Assefa Organizations: Nike, Paris Olympics, Team USA, Puma, U.S, NASA, Kota Kawasaki, The New York Times, Athletics, Tokyo, Marathon, Adidas, Olympics, World Athletics Locations: Rio, Paris, Orlando, Fla, Marugame City, Vienna, Tokyo