World Athletics expected to ban Nike Vaporfly
17/01/2020
“The Nike ZoomX VaporflyNEXT% is the fast you’ve never seen—or felt—before,” is how the brand describes the shoe. “By combining our two most innovative technologies, Nike ZoomX foam and VaporWeave material, it’s the fastest shoe we’ve ever made.”
Multiple sources have reported that the potential ban by World Athletics, formerly known as the International Association of Athletic Federations, comes following speculation that the shoe’s design gives competitive runners an unfair advantage.
At issue primarily is the shoes’ thick soles that incorporate carbon-fibre plates that act like springs, helping to propel runners forward. Nike describes this technology as “a full-length, carbon fibre plate underfoot that provides a propulsive sensation” to help runners “push the pace”.
In a statement, World Athletics said: "A working group, consisting of technical officials, athletes, health and science practitioners and legal experts, are reviewing the shoe, the technology and the wording around the rule. We hope to make their findings available early in the new year."
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