Super Shoes Aren’t Just for Elite Runners — How Running Brands Are Bringing These Tech-Loaded Styles to the Masses

March 26, 2024

Super shoes were made to break records.

While these carbon-plated styles, which are paired with supercritical foam midsoles, landed on the scene almost a decade ago, the definitive tipping point came in 2019. That’s when Eliud Kipchoge, wearing the Nike Air Zoom Alphafly Next%, became the first person to run a marathon distance in less than two hours.

Five years later, at a time when market watchers bemoan the lack of overall innovation in sneakers, the super shoe phenomenon is igniting the industry. And every major athletic player wants a piece of the action. FN