Double Tap to Zoom

Nigeria's Brigid Kosgei blew away the women's world record for a marathon last weekend with a 2hr 14min 4 sec time to shave off 81 seconds from the previous record. She was wearing Nike's ZoomX Vaporfly NEXT%, and the top five men's times all belong to those who wore Vaporflys. Some athletes are saying the shoes provide an unfair advantage, according to The Times.

Former marathon champion Gianni Demadonna told the newspaper: "They think the shoes are maybe allowing elite athletes to run two minutes quicker in the marathon. Understandably they are troubled by what is happening in their sport because the times being run are so fast. Even older runners are taking huge chunks off their best times."

The $250 shoe features a carbon fiber plate in the midsole to reduce energy loss, as well as super lightweight materials and Nike ZoomX foam with the company's greatest energy return yet.

It's possible changes to the rules are coming, as the IAAF told The Times, "Recent advances in technology mean that the concept of 'assistance' to athletes... has been the subject of much debate in the athletics world. The IAAF has established a working group to consider the issues."

On this week's episode of The Dropcast, we are joined by Treis Hill and Rob Cristofaro, partners-in-crime at Alife, who are on to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the New York City-based lifestyle, street, and skatewear brand.

We Recommend
  • Nike’s Latest Techy Dad Shoe Is a Textural Overachiever
  • Nike’s Nicely Woven Air Forces Ooze Bottega Flavor
  • Nike’s Slime-Green Air Max Is an Otherworldly Tech Flex
  • Nike’s Techy Mary Jane Isn’t Just a Silver Bullet — It’s a Silver Ballerina
  • Nike’s Latest Game-Ready AF1 Just Made Accessorizing a Sport
What To Read Next
  • ASICS’ Sweetest Sneaker Drop Is Pure Ruffles & Rebellion
  • Like Louis Vuitton, ASICS Is Eyeing Vans’ Skate Shoe Throne
  • Nike’s Latest Techy Dad Shoe Is a Textural Overachiever
  • You Don’t Need GORE-TEX, You Need Linen
  • With His Best Louis Vuitton Collection to Date, Pharrell Caught a Wave
  • PUMA's Most Classic Sneaker Is a Dapper Vibram-Soled Dress Shoe Now