The impact of advanced footwear technology on running performance and pacing in world marathon majors

Introduction: This study investigated the impact of Advanced Footwear Technology (AFT) on marathon performance and pacing strategies within the World Marathon Majors (WMM). While AFT is known to improve running economy (RE), it remains unclear whether AFT enhances overall running velocity across the race or primarily alters pacing strategies. Methods: We analyzed the top 10 performances from the Berlin, Chicago, London, New York City, and Tokyo marathons across two periods: the non-AFT era (2013-2015) and the standardized AFT era (2022-2025). There were 221 male athletes and 211 female athletes. To examine differences in pacing patterns between groups, linear mixed-effects models were applied. Results: AFT significantly improved total finish time for both men (approximately 1.7%) and women (approximately 4.0%). In men, LMM revealed significantly higher performance during the AFT era; however, a decline in running velocity over distance was observed in both groups. In women, the LMM showed a significantly greater decline in running velocity with distance in the AFT era than in the non-AFT era, after accounting for race and athlete variability. Discussion: This study demonstrated that AFT is associated with improved marathon performance. In men, AFT is associated with higher running velocities but does not appear to substantially alter pacing patterns. In women, AFT leads to faster initial velocity followed by a steeper late-race decline, indicating a more aggressive pacing strategy and premature deceleration. These findings highlight that optimal initial pacing has become increasingly critical in the AFT era.