Nike Alpha Fly: Other banned sport goods as World Athletics rules on hi-tech trainers

Marathon runners are turning to the Nike Vaporfly trainers (top left). Swimming banned full body suits (top right) while cycling's governing body banned Obree's homemade bicycle (bottom left). Long putters have had heavy regulation placed on them (bottom right).Credit: AP

World Athletics has issued new legislation on hi-tech running trainers, after it came under pressure to clamp-down on "technological doping".

The Nike Vaporfly trainers, which have become popular with long-distance and marathon runners, have come under heavy criticism from critics.

They claim the technology used equates to "technological doping", while Nike says the shoes improves running economy by four per cent.

The thick sole with a carbon fibre wedged in the middle gives runners extra cushioning and improves energy return.

With the possible advantages the shoe can give competitors, long distance athletes are turning to them in their droves, with almost half of the top 150 marathon times in history being set by athletes wearing the trainers.

The Vaporfly trainers have escaped a ban from the athletics governing body, although custom-built Nike Alpha Fly prototypes which Eliud Kipchoge wore to break the two-hour marathon mark fall foul of the rule changes.

ITV News takes a look back at some of the other sporting equipment which has been given the boot over the years.

Eliud Kipchoge wears Nike Alphafly trainers during his sub two hour marathon.Credit: AP

Full body swim suits

The full body plastic swimsuits made famous by Michael Phelps and other Olympians in Beijing were outlawed by swimming's governing body in 2010.

FINA banned the polyurethane and neoprene during competitions, citing they gave the swimmers more bouyancy and speed which led to a cascade of world records.

Phelps celebrates his 100m butterfly World Record win in Rome 2009.Credit: AP

From their introduction in 2008, nearly 200 world records fell, including 43 at the World Championships in Rome in 2009.

At the Beijing Olympics, Michael Phelps won a historic eight gold medals, breaking seven world records on the way.

Swimmers now wear knee-length suits for men, with women wearing shoulder to knee suits, made out of textile fabric.