Episode 43: The Science Behind Super Shoes with Guest Laura Healey of Puma

Nov 14, 2025

Laura Healey, Senior Manager of Research & Sport Science at Puma, dives into the fascinating world of super shoes. With a strong background in biomechanics, she defines what makes a shoe 'super' by discussing components like advanced foams and carbon plates. Laura explains the shift from minimal to cushioned footwear and addresses concerns about stability during tight turns. She also shares insights on optimizing performance through lab testing and addresses the importance of matching shoes to individual running styles. Not to miss!

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INSIGHT

Three Ingredients Define Super Shoes

Modern 'super shoes' combine a stiffening agent, advanced foam, and increased stack geometry working together.
Each component interacts so no single element fully explains the performance gains.

INSIGHT

Why Running Shifted To Cushioned Shoes

The shift from minimalist to over-cushioned shoes came from lighter foams and cushioning benefits to running economy.
Lighter foams let designers increase stack without adding weight, improving efficiency and comfort.

INSIGHT

Foam Drives Most Performance Gains

Puma tests showed foam advances are the largest contributor to efficiency and comfort.
Plates likely stabilize pressure distribution and shift some joint work, complementing foam behavior.

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In this episode of ‘All Things Endurance Podcast,’ host, Rick Prince chats with Laura Healey – the senior manager of Research & Sport Science at Puma. In this podcast, Laura discusses the science and make up of super shoes, as well considerations regarding their use and application.

Below are the specific areas that Rick and Laura chat about during this episode:

1. Could you please tell our listeners a little bit more about yourself?

2. Is there an exact definition of a ‘super shoe,’ or more specifically, are there any aspects of a shoe that are needed to make it a ‘super shoe?’

3. First there was the focus on barefoot/minimal footwear, which is often attributed to the ‘Born to Run’ book. Now the over-cushioned ‘super shoe’ seems to have largely replace the minimalist focus. Could you discuss this transition from one extreme to another?

4. Is there one aspect of super shoes (i.e., foam, carbon plate, etc…) that is responsible for the increase in performance, or is it largely an equal combination of all aspects?

5. Due to the height, are over-cushioned shoes less stable when running around tight turns?

6. Initially, super shoes were viewed as only racing shoes. However, has that changed to the point where a lot of people also train in super shoes?

7. Without giving away any proprietary information, what are some of the key considerations that go into making a super shoe?

8. Price aside, are there any reasons why someone might not want to purchase super shoes?

9. Is there any research out there that discusses if super shoes increase, decrease or have no effect on injury rates? Or is it still way too early to have statistically significant data on in this area?

10. Aside from the usual fit recommendations, are there any other considerations or guidelines that a runner should be aware of when trying on super shoes?

To learn more about Puma and to check out their shoes, please visit: www.puma.com