As running has recently surged in popularity in Korea, riding that wave, running shoes are evolving rapidly. What began as simple technology has expanded into smart shoes and custom designs, and balancing performance gains with injury risk has emerged as a new challenge.
According to the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) on the 25th (local time), running-shoe technology over the past decade or so has shifted from "minimalist shoes," which were designed to make feet function close to barefoot, to "super shoes" equipped with thick cushioning and carbon-fiber plates.
In the past, thin minimalist styles that emphasized direct contact between the foot and the ground were popular, but a spate of injuries such as plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinitis exposed their limits. Thick, platform-style shoes with enhanced shock absorption then became the market mainstream, and the super shoes introduced by Nike at the 2016 Rio Olympics shaved minutes off marathon times, igniting a technology race. Now major brands such as Nike, Adidas, and Hoka have entered a "foam (the foamed material used in a running shoe's midsole) war," intensifying competition to improve performance and comfort.
While super shoes have delivered standout results in faster times and comfort, they have also stirred debate over drawbacks. Thick cushioning absorbs impact but can reduce stability and transfer forces to the knees and hips. Conversely, thin shoes place heavy stress on the feet and ankles. Experts note that designs meant to lessen impact can dull bodily sensation and raise injury risk. In the end, shoes alone are unlikely to prevent injuries; training methods, personal constitution, and fitness all need to be considered together.
Recently, smart shoes combining artificial intelligence and sensor technology have also emerged. U.S. startup Avelo is developing a model that places sensors in the insole to record stride length, impact, and recovery status and analyze them via an app. Experts say an era is coming when stores will measure an individual's running style in real time to make and purchase customized running shoes.
In addition, a range of global footwear companies are fueling consumer demand among the surging running population by pushing performance with lighter, more responsive foam materials and carbon-fiber plates. At the same time, research to improve stability and comfort is proceeding in parallel, making the twin goals of faster times and injury prevention the industry's central tasks. Robin Queen, a professor at Virginia Tech, said, "The shoes of the future must be personalized to fit the runner," adding, "An era will open when you can purchase shoes at a store tailored to your running style on the spot."