Is It Reliable for Carbon - Plated Shoes to Increase Speed? Anyway, Teenagers Should Wear Them Less!

Recently, carbon - plated running shoes have set off a "technology trend" on campus. Especially for children who need to take physical fitness tests, they are regarded as "miracle shoes". However, can these so - called "miracle shoes for physical fitness tests" really make children's test scores soar?

Let's explore what carbon - plated shoes are, why they can improve the performance of professional athletes, and whether it is suitable for teenagers to wear them.

1. What are Carbon - Plated Shoes?

Carbon - plated shoes are sports shoes with a carbon plate as the core component. A carbon plate is a thin plate made of carbon fiber composite material, which has the characteristics of light weight, high strength, and good rigidity. It is usually placed in the midsole of the shoe, providing excellent support, stability, and unique functionality for the shoe. Carbon - plated shoes are designed for specific sports events such as marathon running and track and field sprints, aiming to maximize the performance of athletes in these events.

%1. Can Carbon - Plated Shoes Really Significantly Increase Speed?

For professional athletes, carbon - plated shoes may indeed bring a certain speed - increasing effect. In some high - intensity, long - distance endurance events, such as marathons, saving a little energy and increasing a little speed are crucial. Professional athletes have undergone long - term systematic training, and their bodies have adapted to high - intensity exercise loads. They can better utilize the characteristics of carbon - plated shoes, benefiting from the elasticity and support of the carbon plate, and thus achieving better results in the competition.

However, for ordinary sports enthusiasts, especially teenagers, the speed - increasing effect of carbon - plated shoes is greatly reduced. Teenagers' bodies are in the stage of growth and development, and their muscle strength, bone strength, and sports skills are not yet mature. When they run, their movements may not be standardized, and they cannot trigger the elastic function of the carbon plate as accurately as professional athletes. Moreover, over - relying on the elasticity of carbon - plated shoes to increase speed may cause teenagers to neglect the correction of their running postures and the improvement of their sports abilities. In the long run, once they are without carbon - plated shoes, their running performance may be even worse.

3. Why is it Not Recommended for Children to Wear Carbon - Plated Shoes?

Damage to Bone and Muscle Development

Teenagers' bones, muscles, and ligaments are not fully developed. The hard material of carbon - plated shoes restricts the natural movement of the feet. Long - term wearing may lead to arch collapse, toe valgus, and even flat feet.

Increased Risk of Sprained Ankles and Joint Injuries

The midsoles of carbon - plated shoes are generally thick, and the center of gravity is high, which places strict requirements on ankle strength. If teenagers have insufficient ankle strength, they are very likely to sprain their ankles when running in such shoes, and may even cause compensatory knee joint injuries.

Muscle Atrophy and Decreased Sports Ability

The propulsion of carbon - plated shoes depends on the sole technology. Long - term wearing will reduce the active force of the sole and calf muscles, leading to muscle atrophy, which is not conducive to the development of teenagers' basic physical fitness.

"Technology Dependence" and Incorrect Running Postures

Over - relying on the elastic feedback of carbon - plated shoes may make teenagers neglect the training of correct running postures, resulting in problems such as "insufficient ground - pushing" and "deformed pawing movements of the soles", which may lead to sports injuries.

4. Doctor's Advice: How Should Teenagers Choose Shoes?

For Daily Sports: Prioritize Lightweight, Shock - Absorbing, and Breathable Shoes

Doctors clearly state that unless it is professional marathon training, teenagers can wear ordinary sports shoes for daily running and playing ball. Choose styles with soft soles, flexible forefeet, and stable heels, and avoid soles that are too thick or too hard.

For Physical Fitness Tests or Competitions: Use Carbon - Plated Shoes Cautiously and Train Basic Skills First

If teenagers need to improve their physical fitness test scores in a short time, they can use entry - level carbon - plated shoes for a short period, but they must cooperate with ankle strength training (such as heel raises and single - leg balance exercises). Do not blindly pursue "top - of - the - line" carbon - plated shoes, as their high - rigidity design is more dangerous for teenagers.

Regularly Check Foot Shape and Shoe Condition

Doctors suggest that teenagers with thick insteps, flat feet, or abnormal arches should customize insoles or consult professional institutions to avoid chronic injuries caused by improper shoe shapes.

Wang Ning, Rehabilitation Therapist Professional Expertise: Good at using physical and sports therapies for conservative treatment and post - operative rehabilitation of children's sports system injuries. Conducting rehabilitation treatment and evaluation of the nervous system to improve children's delayed motor development and poor coordination. Adjusting and evaluating scoliosis, poor posture, and abnormal gait in children and adolescents. Also engaged in research on cardiopulmonary physical therapy, preventing and intervening in children's respiratory diseases such as asthma through sports therapy.