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There will also be new rules governing the construction of track spikes.

WA’s review concluded that the new technology “may provide a performance advantage and could raise concerns that it might threaten the integrity of the sport.”

WA will now establish an expert working group to guide future research into shoe technology and to assess new shoes that emerge on the market.

Nike did not immediately respond to Reuters’ request for comment on the decision.

“It is not our job to regulate the entire sports shoe market but it is our duty to preserve the integrity of elite competition by ensuring that the shoes worn by elite athletes in competition do not offer any unfair assistance or advantage,” WA President Sebastian Coe said in a statement.

“As we enter the Olympic year, we don’t believe we can rule out shoes that have been generally available for a considerable period of time, but we can draw a line by prohibiting the use of shoes that go further than what is currently on the market while we investigate further.

“I believe these new rules strike the right balance by offering certainty to athletes and manufacturers as they prepare for Tokyo 2020, while addressing the concerns that have been raised about shoe technology.”

‘SECRET WEAPON’ Nike unleashed the Vaporfly in 2016 and various versions have quickly come to dominate the elite and “serious recreational” side of road running.

Marathon superstar Kipchoge has been the model’s flagbearer, wearing them to set a world record, win the 2016 Olympic title and then go under two hours in an unofficial marathon.