New Rules on Racing Shoes Will Place Limits on New Developments in Running Shoes

By Adam Kopet

World Athletics announced new rules surrounding shoes used in competition.

After several years of major developments in shoe technology that have left some shoe companies racing to catch up, World Athletics has placed limits on shoes used for competition in an attempt to level the playing field.

Those limits include a maximum sole thickness of 40 millimeters and no stacking or overlap of plates within the sole of the shoe. Racing spikes are given similar rules, but with maximum sole thickness of 30 millimeters and an allowance for a second plate that the spikes screw into.

All of the current shoes on the market, as well as those worn by Eliud Kipchoge in the INEOS 1:59 Challenge, appear to satisfy these new rules.

An additional change to the rules is a prohibition on prototype shoes. Beginning April 30, shoes worn in competition must have been widely available for sale four a minimum of four months before they are allowed to be used. Alterations for look and to accommodate individual athlete needs are allowed.

This does mean there could be a race by some companies to get new shoes to market so that they can be worn at the Olympics. A previously scheduled summer release, or later, may now require a spring release to work within the new rules.