Shoes banned from running in IRONMAN in 2025
As of February 6, 2025, HOMBRE DE HIERRO tightens its regulations with the intention that all competitors compete on equal terms.
The organisation has taken a serious approach and does not want anyone to run in shoes that are thicker than 40 mm or include more than one plate. The reason? They want to ensure that there are no strange advantages in the middle of the competition and that we all become more “human” when fighting for the finish line.
Why is IRONMAN updating its regulations?
Basically, they have been inspired by World Athletics, which already set the 40 mm limit a while ago, and now IRONMAN is doing the same.
The company has decided to follow the rule that limits the height of the sole to 40 mm and restricts the use of a single plate or rigid internal structure. The main reason is to avoid excessive technological advantages and to encourage competition where athletic performance is the real protagonist.
Since the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, World Athletics began taking measures regarding sole height on competition footwear.
Models of sneakers banned in 2025
Several references from the most popular brands appear on the official IRONMAN blacklist:
- Adidas: Adizero Prime
- Asics: SUPERBLAST, Novablast 4 and Novablast 5
- New Balance: FuelCell SuperComp Trainer
- Saucony: Kinvara Pro
Although these are the main ones affected, any footwear that exceeds 40 mm in thickness in the midsole or incorporates more than one carbon plate is prohibited.
Controls in professionals and age groups
Although the regulations are applied more strictly in the professional category, age groups are not exempt either.
IRONMAN will conduct random checks before, during and after events to ensure that no one is wearing unauthorized footwear.
If a suspicious shoe is detected at any time, it will be sent to World Triathlon for verification. While this is being investigated, the results of the athletes involved will be listed as “under review”.
If the footwear is declared illegal, the athlete will be disqualified or lose the classification obtained in the competition.
This measure seeks to maintain transparency in all categories and preserve the essence of triathlon.
The background of Gustav Iden
A very famous case was that of Gustav Iden during the IRONMAN World Championship in 2022, where he used a prototype of slippers with a sole of more than 40 mm.
At the time, the regulations were not in force, so he was not disqualified. However, the controversy fueled the debate on the use of “super shoes” and accelerated IRONMAN’s decision to officially implement this ban.
