All Things Endurance Episode 43: The Science Behind Super Shoes with Guest Laura Healy of Puma

In this episode of ‘All Things Endurance Podcast,’ host, Rick Prince chats with Laura Healey – the senior manager of Research & Sport Science at Puma. In this podcast, Laura discusses the science and make up of super shoes, as well considerations regarding their use and application.
   
Below are the specific areas that Rick and Laura chat about during this episode:   
   
1. Could you please tell our listeners a little bit more about yourself?
2. Is there an exact definition of a ‘super shoe,’ or more specifically, are there any aspects of a shoe that are needed to make it a ‘super shoe?’
3. First there was the focus on barefoot/minimal footwear, which is often attributed to the ‘Born to Run’ book. Now the over-cushioned ‘super shoe’ seems to have largely replace the minimalist focus. Could you discuss this transition from one extreme to another?
4. Is there one aspect of super shoes (i.e., foam, carbon plate, etc…) that is responsible for the increase in performance, or is it largely an equal combination of all aspects?
5. Due to the height, are over-cushioned shoes less stable when running around tight turns?
6. Initially, super shoes were viewed as only racing shoes. However, has that changed to the point where a lot of people also train in super shoes?
7. Without giving away any proprietary information, what are some of the key considerations that go into making a super shoe?
8. Price aside, are there any reasons why someone might not want to purchase super shoes?
9. Is there any research out there that discusses if super shoes increase, decrease or have no effect on injury rates? Or is it still way too early to have statistically significant data on in this area?
10. Aside from the usual fit recommendations, are there any other considerations or guidelines that a runner should be aware of when trying on super shoes?

To learn more about Puma and to check out their shoes, please visit: www.puma.com