Many sprinters in Sydney will be using footwear that may well prove the difference between a gold medal and the abyss of fourth place. In any sprint, the foot acts as a lever in pushing the athlete forward. But when the foot flexes, energy is lost.

Research into the running motion of animals has helped to overcome that shortcoming. For example, cheetahs, lions and horses all have naturally stiffened metatarsal joints which allow them to run faster. A number of shoe manufacturers have taken that research a step further.

The Adidas Innovation Team have inserted a rigid, carbon-fibre plate into their latest brand of sprinting spikes and the result is the stiffening of the metatarsal joints (meaning the foot flexes less).

In 200 metre sprinting, the runner experiences extreme pressure on the outside of the foot while turning the bend. New "wedge" shoes will now compensate for that. Midsoles in the shoe will help the athletes keep their foot in the best position while facilitating the changes in direction.

It is now known that continued insertion and extraction of the traditional sharp spikes into the running track creates a drag effect which wastes energy and slows down the athlete. The latest spikes are z-shaped alloy, which grip the track rather than sink into it. And as less spikes are needed, the shoe becomes lighter. For long-distance runners, the z-shaped plastic spikes are used in the forefoot region only and create a shoe significantly lighter than before.