The American athlete is suing Puma and Mercedes, saying they ruined her career

Abby Steiner, who won two gold medals in the 4 x 100 and 4 x 400 meter relays at the 2022 World Championships in Eugene with the USA, claims that sneakers with a carbon plate and new generation foam (nitrofoam) changed the biomechanics of her foot and ankle, thereby increasing the risk of injury.

Steiner claims that due to the use of those tennis shoes, she suffered severe foot injuries, due to which she has since ended her career and devoted herself to studies.

“I’m at the point where I can no longer compete. You’ve ruined my career,” says the 26-year-old athlete, who last competed in 2024.

Steiner, who is seeking 1.2 million euros in damages, is also suing her sponsor Puma and the Mercedes team from Formula 1, which allegedly participated in the development of technology for tennis shoes, mostly with engineering knowledge from motorsports.

The lawsuit alleges that both Puma and Mercedes participated in the design, testing, production, and marketing and distribution of the disputed products.

The case opens a wider debate about the impact of modern “super tennis shoes” on the health of athletes. Technologies such as carbon plates and advanced foams have revolutionized athletics in recent years, particularly long-distance running, but questions are increasingly being raised about their long-term effects on the body.

(Vijesti.ba)