Rodrigo Roehniss: The Evolution and Boom of Running Shoes

The Stability Revolution and the Rise of Foam

One of the most discussed points was the change in the concept of stability. Models previously rigorously categorized for pronators or supinators are giving way to predominantly neutral shoes. Rodrigo explains that brands have invested in new geometries, widening the sole's base and removing curve angles in the arch of the foot. This allows neutral shoes to offer support for runners with mild pronation, eliminating the need for moderate and light stability models.

In Rodrigo's view, the industry's major focus today is the development of foam. Innovations in super soft and responsive foams, initially present in competition shoes with carbon plates, are being adapted for training and daily use models. "When the brand sandwiches the carbon, meaning it loads foam above and loads foam below, it’s a shoe where you literally don't feel it hit dry," he explains, highlighting the comfort and versatility this approach provides.

Carbon Plates: Optimization or Fad?

The arrival of carbon plates revolutionized the market. Rodrigo points out that initially, Nike launched the Vaporfly focused on the plate, but it was soon realized that the foam was equally, if not more, crucial. He agrees with athletes like Craig Alexander, who have expressed that the biggest advantage is the ability to train more without the muscle exhaustion that old shoes caused.

However, Rodrigo warns that carbon plate shoes are not for everyone or for all occasions. "If Nike put on the box: ‘This shoe is specifically for those who run under 4 minutes and 20 per km,’ forget it. The shoe is dead on arrival," he jokes, emphasizing that many amateurs buy impulsively, without considering their mechanics or running pace. He suggests that, for most, a competition shoe should be used in races and some specific training sessions for adaptation, such as two long runs before a major event.

Comparing the Nike Vaporfly and Alphafly, Rodrigo notes that while the Vaporfly was designed for the foot of a specific athlete like Kipchoge, the Alphafly has become more democratic and comfortable. "Other brands thought: ‘Let's make something a little more democratic, where maybe the person won't run at the pace the shoe was supposedly made for. But we'll cater to that audience.’ And that's what happens," he affirms, justifying the growth of competition in the carbon plate shoe segment.

Prices, National Brands, and the Ascent of On

The increase in shoe prices is a reality. While a good imported performance shoe can cost between $899 and $999, carbon plate models easily exceed $2,000 in Brazil. Rodrigo advises against buying abroad for savings, as taxes and IOF (Brazilian financial operations tax) negate the benefit.

Amidst this scenario, national brands like Olympikus and Fila are gaining prominence. Rodrigo praises Olympikus's work, which has reached a very competitive level of product development and value. "If we look at a $999 or $899 shoe today, it's not expensive," he says, mentioning the sales success of models like the Corre 4 and Corre 10. Olympikus's agility in forming local partnerships, such as with Strava and Cimed, is a differentiator that multinationals lack due to global bureaucracies. However, he observes that despite being leaders in road running, Olympikus and Fila still face some prejudice in triathlon, a market that requires greater investment to break barriers.

Another brand making a global impact is On. Rodrigo recalls his first contact with the Swiss brand in 2012 and the evolution he witnessed. "The degree of shoe evolution is very good. They've done an undeniable job, in every aspect," he comments, citing investment in technology, design, and sponsorship of top athletes. On grew with solid planning, from an operation initially through importers to its own subsidiary in Brazil in 2019, which operates lean and efficiently.

Shoe Consulting: A Personalized "Running Fit"

Rodrigo offers shoe consulting, which he describes as a "running fit". Whether in-person or online, the goal is to minimize the risk of a wrong purchase. He analyzes injury history, shoes used (and perceptions about them), race objectives, and the runner's body structure. On the treadmill, the key point is to observe how the shoe interacts with movement, as shoe geometry can influence stability regardless of the athlete's gait.

A valuable tip from the consultancy is to try a different shoe on each foot in the store, and if possible, step off the treadmill to run in the store's space, feeling the real difference on a firm surface. Rodrigo also emphasizes that a shoe that works for one person might not work for another. "In consulting, I am a neutral element; just because it doesn't work for me doesn't mean you shouldn't test it; sometimes it will work out great for you," he explains, reinforcing the importance of personal experience.

The Future and Picturesque Stories

Regarding the future of shoes, Rodrigo predicts that foam innovations will continue, and he doesn't rule out the possibility of a return to lower-profile shoes. "I think there will come a time when we will lower it as much as possible, for a better foam condition than in the past," he predicts, as a reinvention of maximalism. He also observes the growth of Chinese brands, which offer good shoes with attractive technology and design, although they may still fall short a bit on finishing.

In the 'Sticky Situations' segment, Rodrigo shared two striking anecdotes. The first was with a wealthy client who, arriving with security guards and demanding a specific shoe without wanting to get on the treadmill, was turned away by Rodrigo, who refused to work without his methodology. The second, even more surprising story, involved two clients who, during the consultation, discovered that a specific model was only available in New York. On a Wednesday, one of them called a friend with a private plane, and the two flew to the US the next morning, returning on Sunday with the desired shoes.

Rodrigo Roehniss (@rodrigoroehniss on Instagram) continues to be a reference for anyone seeking information and guidance in the complex world of running shoes, proving that technical knowledge and practical experience are as important as the technology embedded in the footwear.