Hematological Variations After Endurance Running With Hard-and Soft-Soled Running Shoes

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Abstract
In brief: Blood measurements were taken in 23 marathon runners to investigate whether the hardness of the sole of the running shoe would affect RBC indexes. Runners were randomly assigned to a group with either a firm-sole running shoe or an air-cushion shoe. Measurements before and after the 15-mile run included complete blood count, serum haptoglobin, plasma hemoglobin, and venous hemoglobin. Runners wearing air-cushion shoes demonstrated smaller hematological effects after strenuous exercise than did runners wearing firm-sole shoes. This study indicates that (1) material property of the running shoes may be correlated with physiological measurements, and (2) appropriate cushioning in running shoes may reduce the RBC abnormalities experienced in long-distance running.