Geoff Burns, PhD helps us understand the changes in regulations in running footwear, as the industry figures out how to handle the performance impact of carbon-plated “super shoes.” His understanding of the technology, from both a personal and professional perspective, is uniquely informative.

Geoff has competed at the highest levels of ultrarunning and was the 2016 US national champion at 100km, where he ran 6:30. He competed at the collegiate level for the University of Michigan, and went on to represent the USA over the 50km and 100km distances, and finished 5th at both the 2016 and 2018 IAU 100km World Championships.

Geoff also has degrees in biomedical engineering and kinesiology with a PhD from the University of Michigan. His research focuses on running, physiology, biomechanics, and sport performance.

This week’s podcast delves into the science of super shoes, including what has made them such a useful tool for both elite and amateur runners and how you can use them to your own benefit. The episode is unique because all the questions that Geoff answers came directly from Jason's Twitter community.

We discuss:

What types of runners will benefit most from these types of shoes?
At what distances are super shoes most beneficial?
Can (and should?) you still use an insert in shoes with carbon plates?
Do shoes with carbon plates increase your injury risk?
How should these types of shoes be used? Every day? For racing only? Or something in between?
What is the longevity of these shoes?
What is the future of this technology? How will these super shoes become even better?

Links & Resources from the Show:

Thank You InsideTracker!

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227. Elite Ultrarunner Geoff Burns, PhD on the Science of Super Shoes

The Strength Running Podcast