How durable are high-performance racing shoes?

Abstract

High-performance racing shoes rely on ultra-low-density elastomeric foams that undergo large, repeated deformations during running. Yet little is known about how their mechanical properties vary throughout the shoe or change with repeated use. Here, we characterize the midsole foam in an elite-level racing shoe from the heel, midfoot, and toe of a new shoe and a shoe worn for 300 miles. Microscopy reveals a characteristic pore length scale of 128+/-18 um and supports an approximately isotropic continuum description. We then quantify the mechanical response under tension, compression, and shear. Remarkably, despite 300 miles of real-world use, the foam retains its mechanical response across all three loading modes and shoe regions. Energy return remains largely unchanged, with values of 85-93% in tension and compression and 64-71% in shear. At the same time, we observe strong regional variations, with tensile and compressive stiffnesses 38-51% lower in the toe than in the heel. The foam also exhibits a pronounced tension-compression asymmetry in Poisson's ratio. Together, these findings reveal a spatially structured and mode-dependent mechanical response that remains largely preserved after 300 miles of use. This mechanical resilience may extend the functional lifetime of racing shoes, with implications for runners, replacement recommendations, and sustainability.