Tankink et al. 2024, optimised rocker profile and running economy

European Journal of Sport Science study using human-in-the-loop optimisation to tune the longitudinal rocker (forefoot curvature) profile of a running shoe. An individually optimised rocker increased the positive work done at the ankle and shifted joint work toward the ankle, but running economy was not significantly different between the optimised and standard conditions — the expected metabolic improvement was not found, in part because heavier experimental shoes added approximately 4% to the energy cost.