Supershoes are reshaping distance running Since 2016, when Nike introduced the Vaporfly, a paradigm-shifting shoe that helped athletes run more efficiently (and therefore faster), the elite running world has muddled through a period of soul-searching over the impact of high-tech footwear on the sport. "Supershoes" --which combine a lightweight, energy-returning foam with a carbon-fiber plate for stiffness--have been behind every broken world record in distances from 5,000 meters to the marathon since 2020. To some, this is a sign of progress. In much of the world, elite running lacks a widespread following. Record-breaking adds a layer of excitement.