Carbon-plated (CP) shoes have become popular amongst runners with recreational and elite runners using them for training and competition. PURPOSE: The purpose of this investigation was to examine the effects of CP shoes on high-speed running performance in collegiate cross country (XC) runners. METHODS: Nine male varsity Division III XC runners (age: 19.1 ± 2.9 years, peak oxygen consumption (VO2): 65.4 ± 5.1 ml/kg/min) completed a VO2 peak test to determine their 70, 80 and 90% velocities of VO2 peak. The test was run in their traditional non-CP shoes (OWN). Participants then completed two experimental trials, in random order, consisting of running three minutes stages at 70% (14.1 ± 0.8 km/h), 80% (16.1 ± 1.0 km/h) and 90% (18.1 ± 1.1 km/h) velocities of VO2 peak in OWN and CP shoes. During each of the trials participants had blood lactate, ratings of perceived exertion, heart rate, respiratory exchange ratio, ventilation, respiratory rate, and VO2 measured. A two way (shoe x stage) repeated measures analysis of variance was used to analyze potential differences. RESULTS: There were no interaction (shoe x stage) effects for any variable (p > 0.05). No main effects were observed for shoe type for any variable (p > 0.05). Specifically, relative VO2 results remained unchanged across each trial (CP: 52.6 ± 5.1 ml/kg/min vs. OWN: 52.6 ± 6.4ml/kg/min, p = 0.991). However, there were significant main effects (p < 0.001) in each variable for stage, showing increases as physiological responses as exercise intensity increased. CONCLUSION: This study shows that while CP are popular amongst runners, there were no differences in high-speed running. Individuals should determine if the CP shoes benefit their individual running needs based on distances and goals.
