Your toes BEND during sports, exercise, or performing daily activities helping maximize your propulsion or push off strength. How far your toes bend can be determined by what you have on your feet (or in your shoes)!
Shoe bending stiffness, or longitudinal bending stiffness= how easily a shoe can bend.
Think of a minimalist shoe. Lightweight, little to no cushion or stability, and super flexible.
Next, think of a traditional running shoe. Slightly heavier, more cushion and stability, less flexibility. ~GREATER BENDING STIFFNESS~
It’s reported that increasing the longitudinal bending stiffness of a shoe DECREASES energy expenditure until a low point is reached. This suggests that there is an OPTIMAL SHOE STIFFNESS, which is also based on YOUR ANATOMY, SPORT, ACTIVITY LEVEL, and COMFORT.
A rigid carbon fiber footplate that runs the length of your shoe reduces the bending moment at the toe joints, which is believed to reduce energy expenditure (in certain conditions). Additionally, a carbon fiber insert lengthens the foot as a lever arm, which increases the power of the entire lever. #biomechanics
Remember: Every athlete is different! What works for one athlete, may not work for you. There is no “one size fits all” solution when it comes to shoe gear OR performance equipment. This is a growing area of research, so stay tuned!