ATHLETICS

‘Super shoes’ are making mockery of record books

Cheptegei has broken world records in the 5,000m and 10,000m
Cheptegei has broken world records in the 5,000m and 10,000m
AFP/GETTY IMAGES

The arrival of Nike’s Vaporfly “super shoe” turned athletics from a foot race to an arms race. The dramatic advances in shoe technology meant any road runner who was not wearing the Vaporfly was at a significant disadvantage.

Rival manufacturers had to respond quickly. By late last year rival road shoes emerged, attempting to match these revolutionary Nike sneakers with their super-thick, mega-responsive foam soles and carbon plates.

Adidas announced it had caught up on the roads of Valencia. Until last December no man had ever broken 58 minutes for the half-marathon. But Kibiwott Kandie smashed that barrier, crossing the line in 57 min 32 secs, wearing a pair of Adidas Adios Pros.

That day three other Nike athletes also broke 58min. By that time