Short Heels and Long Toes: A Surprising Recipe for Speed

To understand the paradox, the researchers set up a computer model of a sprinter’s push-off. The simulation revealed that despite providing a mechanical disadvantage, the short lever arm of a sprinter’s heel actually produced more force than the longer lever arm of a non-sprinter.

Funny how as soon as you discover something, your computer simulations miraculously start to predict it.

This shouldn't be a surprise for anyone who knows what a gearbox is, should it?

nice how this study remarks on the earlier one about shorter toes being more energy efficient for long distance running.

i look forward to the vertical studies that show whether a regular person who starts sprinting regularly can shorten their tendron, or whether it is entirely genetic. not sure about toes changing lengths,...

You can definitely shorten your overall foot length. I've dropped one shoe size over the past two years since starting to run semi-compettively, mostly due to stronger foot muscles pulling my arch higher.