Kalle Torniainen

My research area is running biomechanics with a focus on distance running shoes. More specifically, I'm studying the new Advanced Footwear Technology (AFT) shoes, also known as "super shoes". AFT shoes are widely used by both the elite and recreational athletes. For example, AFT shoes were used when Eliud Kipchoge became the first person to run a marathon distance under two hours.

Although the research like the shoes is relatively young, there is some research on AFT. Among other things, AFT shoes have improved both running economy and running performance at the group level compared to conventional running shoes in several previous running studies. However, in all studies there has been a variation in the magnitude of efficacy from AFT and individuals who did not benefit from AFT shoes.

In my research, the individual perspective of AFT is examined. In future studies, we will investigate whether anthropometric measurements and strength in the lower body can explain the individual variance in power from the AFT shoes.