800 dude wrote:
Ultimately, I wonder if the line that the IAAF eventually draws is with stack height. Seems like at some level, having a really thick sole could help you simply by lengthening your stride a bit. All the other tech might just be ways of mitigating the kinds of problems that typically arise with really thick shoes. Also, if the technology seems to work for reasons that aren't fully understood (a distinct possibility), then limiting stack height would basically mean that the shoe designers just have less to work with, which would limit the impact of technology, even if we cant' figure out what exactly should and shouldn't be allowed.
I agree with most you said (didn't read it all so can't say I agree with all), but you do realize that one of the primary purposes of heel lift/drop in running shoes is to lengthen the stride?