Humanity's First 'Sub-2' Marathon: Did 'Super Shoes' Play a Role?

The recent groundbreaking achievement of Kenyan marathoner Eliud Kipchoge, breaking the two-hour barrier in the London Marathon, has been met with both awe and skepticism. While Kipchoge's feat is undeniably historic, questions are being raised about the role of his technologically advanced footwear, the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo 3, in his record-shattering performance. This 'super shoe' controversy is not new to the world of athletics, but it has intensified with Kipchoge's unprecedented run, forcing a re-examination of the boundaries between human endurance and technological enhancement.

Kipchoge himself has defended his choice of footwear, stating emphatically that the shoes are approved and that he competed within the established rules. He acknowledged the shoes' lightweight design and the sensation of forward propulsion they provide but maintained that their use does not constitute 'technological doping.' This stance is crucial, as it centers the discussion on the athlete's integrity while acknowledging the undeniable impact of modern shoe technology. The Adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo 3, developed over three years, weighs a mere 97 grams per shoe and costs around $500, representing the cutting edge of athletic footwear innovation.

The narrative of 'super shoes' has been a dominant theme in distance running for years, particularly since Nike's introduction of the 'Vaporfly' series in 2016. These shoes, incorporating carbon fiber plates, are credited with significantly improving running efficiency by enhancing propulsion and reducing energy loss. While the gains might seem marginal—a 2-4% increase in running efficiency—over the grueling 42.195 kilometers of a marathon, such improvements can translate into substantial time differences, potentially shaving minutes off elite performances. This technological leap has led to a dramatic acceleration in marathon world records over the past decade.

World Athletics has attempted to regulate this technological arms race by setting standards, such as limiting sole thickness to 40mm and allowing only one carbon fiber plate. However, the innovation continues unabated, leading to a situation where comparing records across different eras has become increasingly difficult. As Reuters noted, the 'super shoe era' has fundamentally altered the landscape of elite running. This debate extends beyond the marathon; similar controversies have erupted in swimming, with the phasing out of full-body suits after a spate of world records in 2008. From our perspective at Hankyoreh, while we celebrate athletic achievement, we must also grapple with the ethical implications of technology in sports. The pursuit of 'fair play' requires constant vigilance and adaptation of rules to ensure that the athlete, not the equipment, remains the ultimate determinant of success. The 'sub-2' barrier may have been broken, but the debate over how it was achieved is far from over.