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A look into the shoe brands, models, and prices that propelled athletes to break six of the world records.
The world of athletics is slowly changing with the emergence of ‘super shoes’ that have propelled several athletes to victory with others shattering world records, in this article, Pulse Sports examines the shoe brands and models of today's six world records.
From the latest world records of the fallen marathon king Kelvin Kiptum at the 2023 Chicago Marathon to Rhonex Kipruto’s world record set back in 2020, super shoes have contributed greatly to the athletes’ dominant exploits.
The shoe brands and models of today's six world records
1) Rhonex Kipruto- adidas Adizero Takumi Sen 5
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Kipruto, who is currently suspended for suspected doping offences, wore the Adidas Adizero Takumi Sen 5 shoes to break the 10km road race world record in 2020.
The 2019 World Championships bronze medallist cut the tape in 26:24 at the 10K Valencia Ibercaja to completely obliterate the previous world record of 26:38 set by Uganda’s Joshua Cheptegei back in 2019 at the same venue.
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The shoe costs approximately Ksh10,000 and it is a tight, snug fit for racing performance but for competitions, the shoemaker recommends a half-size bigger.
The upper mesh also has stitched-in support zones and it has a rubber outsole for extraordinary traction in wet and dry conditions. The shoe also has a responsive boost midsole cushioning and it is lightweight, durable, and flexible.
2) Agnes Ngetich- adidas Adizero Takumi Sen 9
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Ngetich came into the limelight with a storm after claiming a bronze medal at the World Cross-country Championships and she surely had just begun writing history-making story.
She started running back in 2016 but became known to the world after making the cut to Team Kenya for the global showpiece. She broke the 10km world record at the 2023 TRUNsylvania International 10K but it was not ratified since the course was short.
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Ngetich did not rest on her laurels as she extended her winning streak to clock the second-fastest time at the Urban Trail de Lille, narrowly missing out on the world record.
Wearing the Adidas Adizero Takumi Sen 9, Ngetich struck a world record at the 10K Valencia Ibercaja earlier this year. She made history by becoming the first woman to clock sub-29 minutes in a 10km road race after clocking 28:46.
The shoe she wore approximately costs Ksh40,000 and is extremely light, has a very responsive cushion with protection and spring and is breathable since it has the ability to shed water. However, it also has cons since the tongue can fold under near ball, firm edge irritating top of foot and it has low durability, especially below the heel.
3) Jacob Kiplimo- Nike Vaporfly Next% 2
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The Ugandan, sponsored by Nike, wore the Nike Vaporfly Next% 2 to completely obliterate the Half Marathon world record, clocking 57:31 to win the 2021 Lisbon Half Marathon.
The shoe was made in China and it has a breathable mesh with asymmetrical lacing and no sleeve. The midsole has a single-density ZoomX foam with an internal Carbon plate.
It has a hard rubber under the heel, and softer blown rubber under the forefoot and it weighs 195 gms/ 6.9 Oz. The shoes approximately cost Ksh30,000.
4) Letesenbet Gidey- Nike Vaporfly Next% 2
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Gidey is the current world record holder over the half marathon, a feat she achieved after obliterating a strong field to claim the top prize at the 2021 Valencia Half Marathon.
Gidey was wearing the same shoe that Kiplimo wore to break the record. The shoe is way cheaper than the previous version (in certain countries) and the upper part is more comfortable than previous versions. It also has a propulsive springboard-type carbon plate and has a high level of cushioning.
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However, it also has a narrow midfoot with a prominent arch and is unstable for heel strikers. The tongue is also too short.
5) Tigst Assefa- Adizero Adios Pro Evo 1
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Assefa became the fastest marathoner in the world, clocking a world record time of 2:11:53 to win the 2023 Berlin Marathon.
The Ethiopian wowed fans with her impeccable performance since she was just competing in her third marathon and destroyed Brigid Kosgei’s world record time of 2:14:04.
She was wearing the Adizero Adios Pro Evo 1 and the shoe was retailing for about Ksh72,000 and is reportedly only designed to last for one race.
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The shoes have a hefty price tag which is around Ksh27,000 more than the average running shoes and Adidas is certainly sure that it is a quality shoe.
On their website, they have labelled the shoe as “a running shoe like no other” that is “enhanced with unique technology that challenges the boundaries of racing”.
6) Kelvin Kiptum- Nike Alphafly 3
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The late Kiptum was a marathoner like no other and the world was yet to see his full potential before his sudden demise in a grisly road accident.
The London Marathon champion shattered the marathon world record at the 2023 Chicago Marathon, wearing the Nike Alphafly 3. He clocked 2:00:35 to completely obliterate Eliud Kipchoge’s world record time of 2:01:09 that he set at the 2022 Berlin Marathon. Kipchoge also wore the shoes to win his fifth marathon at the German capital.
The sneaker is a part of Nike’s record-breaking super shoe series and is the brand’s most technologically advanced shoe. It has a combination of Air Zoom units, ZoomX foam, and a carbon fiber Flyplate.
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The shoe debuts in Nike’s now-iconic “Prototype” colorway and the all-white silhouette features pops of color highlighting the dual Air Zoom units in the forefoot. It costs about Ksh50,000 and it is much more streamlined and is also built for a long haul (250 miles and more).
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