This study aims to examine the impact of footwear on the running economy of division three female distance runners. Recent advancements in running footwear, particularly the introduction of carbon-plated shoes, have been shown to enhance running economy. However, women athletes are often underrepresented in sports performance research, leading to a lack of understanding about how such technology affects their performance. This research seeks to fill this gap by investigating the effects of carbon-plated shoes on female runners. Our study will involve 15-20 female long-distance runners from the UWEC cross-country team, who will run at various intensities based on their maximum oxygen consumption (VO2 max), testing their running economy in both carbon-plated and non-carbon-plated shoes. Energy expenditure will be measured at different time periods during each trial, allowing for a direct comparison of the two shoe types. The expected outcome is to support or challenge the current understanding of the effectiveness of this technology for women, providing valuable insights for athletes and coaches. The findings may also encourage future research focused on underrepresented groups in sports science, helping to optimize footwear choices for female athletes.
