Xu et al. 2025, footwear characteristics and running economy meta-analysis

A systematic review and meta-analysis of 26 controlled trials (search to April 2024) examined the effect of footwear type and characteristics on running economy in distance runners. Increased cushioning significantly improved running economy (SMD −0.33, 95% CI −0.61 to 0.06, P = 0.02), as did greater longitudinal bending stiffness (SMD −0.53, P = 0.005); comfort did not reach significance (SMD −0.11, P = 0.51). The authors concluded that high-cushioning and high-stiffness footwear each independently improve running economy. Moderate evidence.