Shoes made for running

摘要

LEGEND HAS IT THAT, IN THE LATE 1800S, STUDENTS ELUDED THEIR HEADMASTERS IN STEALTHY rubber-soled shoes, earning the kicks the name "sneakers." That vulcanized rubber was the first in a string of foot-friendly features that shaved minutes off marathon times. Over the last century, improvements in support, cushioning, and materials have contributed to new records. This year, Nike Zoom Vaporfly Elites helped propel Kenyan runner Eliud Kipchoge within 25 seconds of a two-hour run. Here's how sneaker tech, and marathon speeds, have changed.