Does Clothing Affect Running Economy?

Running Economy and External Factors

Running economy (RE) is defined as the oxygen cost required to maintain a given submaximal running velocity and is a key determinant of endurance performance. Differences in running economy can significantly influence performance among runners with similar maximal aerobic capacity. While physiological and biomechanical factors account for most of the variability in RE, external factors may also play a secondary but meaningful role.

Among these external factors, clothing represents a variable that can influence the metabolic cost of running, particularly during prolonged or high-intensity exercise. Although apparel does not directly enhance aerobic capacity or neuromuscular function, inappropriate clothing may indirectly impair running economy by increasing energy expenditure, restricting movement or disrupting thermoregulation.

Clothing-Related Mechanisms Affecting Running Economy

One mechanism through which clothing may affect running economy is added mass. Any increase in body or carried mass elevates the energetic cost of locomotion, with distal mass having a disproportionately greater impact on oxygen consumption. Research has shown that even small increases in weight, particularly when added to the lower extremities, can significantly increase the metabolic cost of running (Frederick, 1984). While most modern running apparel contributes minimal mass, excessive or poorly designed clothing may negatively affect economy, especially over long distances.

Thermoregulation also plays an important role in running economy. When clothing impairs heat dissipation, core body temperature rises, increasing cardiovascular strain and oxygen demand at a given running speed. This phenomenon, often described as cardiovascular drift, can result in a gradual deterioration of running economy during prolonged exercise, particularly in hot or humid environments (González-Alonso et al., 2008).

Compression garments have been proposed as a means to improve running economy by reducing muscle oscillation and improving mechanical efficiency. However, current evidence suggests that compression clothing does not consistently improve running economy in trained runners. While some studies report small reductions in oxygen consumption, these effects appear to be inconsistent and highly individual (Born et al., 2013).

Aerodynamic drag may also influence running economy, particularly at higher running velocities. Tight-fitting clothing can reduce air resistance and potentially lower the metabolic cost of running. Although the overall contribution of aerodynamics to running economy in distance events is relatively small, marginal gains may still be relevant during elite competition or sprint finishes (Pugh, 1971).

Practical Applications

From a practical perspective, clothing choices should aim to minimize unnecessary mass, allow effective heat dissipation, and avoid restriction of movement. Lightweight, breathable, and well-fitted apparel is recommended for both training and competition. Compression garments may be used based on individual comfort or recovery preference, but they should not be considered a primary strategy for improving running economy.

References

Born DP, Sperlich B, Holmberg HC. Bringing light into the dark: effects of compression clothing on performance and recovery. Int J Sports Physiol Perform. 2013;8:4–18

Frederick EC. Physiological and ergonomics factors in running shoe design. Appl Ergon. 1984;15:281–287

González-Alonso J, Crandall CG, Johnson JM. The cardiovascular challenge of exercising in the heat. J Physiol. 2008;586:45–53

Pugh LGCE. The influence of wind resistance in running and walking and the mechanical efficiency of work against horizontal or vertical forces. J Physiol. 1971;213:255–276