Have you heard of the famous “banned shoes”? These are high-tech models designed to boost performance… but that, surprisingly, aren’t allowed in official competitions. One example? The Superblast 2 by ASICS — great for training, but not legal for sanctioned races.
But why is that? And does it affect you, an amateur runner? Let’s break it down.
The World Athletics Rules
World Athletics, the global governing body for track and field, has clear rules that define whether a shoe is legal for competition. Here are the three main criteria:
-
Midsole height: maximum 40 mm
-
Only one rigid plate (such as carbon or TPU)
- Market availability: the model must be available for sale at least 4 months before the race
If your shoe exceeds any of these? It’s not allowed.
Which Models Are Banned in 2025?
Some of the most loved models by runners violate these standards — either due to excessive stack height, internal structure, or advanced technology. Here's the list:
Adidas
-
Prime X
-
Prime X Strung
-
Prime X 2 Strung
ASICS
-
Superblast
-
Novablast 4
-
Novablast 5
New Balance
FuelCell SuperComp Trainer v1
Saucony
-
Kinvara Pro
Hoka
-
Skyward X
Puma
-
MagMax Nitro
Most of these shoes exceed the 40 mm stack height limit, feature more than one rigid plate, or both — making them excellent for training, but not race legal if you're aiming for official results.
Can Amateur Runners Use Them?
It depends on the race.
✔️ Open road races:
If you're running a public marathon without chasing qualifying standards or awards, you can wear any shoe you like — even a banned one.
But if you're trying to qualify for Boston, Ironman, or any sanctioned event, then yes, you must follow World Athletics rules.
❌ Sanctioned races like Ironman (even for amateurs):
These events enforce the same rules for everyone, including amateurs. So models like the Superblast or Prime X are for training only — even if you're just “doing it for fun.”
Final Thoughts
Banned shoes are great training tools — they help protect muscles, improve recovery, and let you train hard with less impact.
But in official races, especially when aiming for a PR or qualification, wearing a non-compliant shoe can void your results — even if you smash your best time.
So here’s the golden rule:
Want to fly? Go for it. But fly within the rules.
