Last year, viewers of the Boston Marathon were stunned to see two relatively unknown runners in bright yellow shoes leading the race by a wide margin. Running experts quickly realized that these runners were wearing Spira Shoes, which have springs in the soles. Sports writers reported that runners could be disqualified, because this technology provides an unfair advantage to athletes according to a rule under the national governing body of track and field. Now, the very same technology that took the world’s most famous footrace by surprise is also built into our cross trainer and walking shoes, and now they’re available to you.

To state the obvious, that "unfair advantage" to professional runners is an unparalleled opportunity for the rest of us who simply love to run and who appreciate a good marathon or a spirited daily jog around the park. These lightweight (six to eight ounces) sports shoes are totally revoluntionary, thanks to their new WaveSpring™ technology. This technology features a series of laterally stable, stainless-steel springs embedded in the heel and/or forefoot of each shoe. The springs not only help reduce joint stress and redistribute impact forces, they provide unsurpassed cushioning and return energy back into your step, unlike foam core shoes that simply absorb your energy. Essentially, Spira shoes allow you to recycle your own energy, which reduces fatigue.

Tests conducted at Michigan State University show that the WaveSpring™ returns energy that might otherwise be lost to the ground. And because the technology is mechanical, there’s no cushioning breakdown throughout the life of the shoe, either.

Before starting any exercise or conditioning program, you should consult with a physician.