Former world champion sprinter Abby Steiner has filed a lawsuit against Puma and the Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix, alleging that defective running shoes caused serious foot injuries that ultimately ended her elite career.
What the Lawsuit Claims
According to the lawsuit, filed on April 24 in Massachusetts Superior Court, Steiner claims that Puma’s running shoes and spikes were “defective” and “unsafe.” She specifically points to models such as the Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 2 and 3, along with the evoSPEED Tokyo Nitro, as the source of her injuries.
The complaint argues that the shoes’ carbon fiber plate and nitro foam technology altered her foot and ankle mechanics, increasing stress and injury risk. Steiner alleges that Puma knew about these risks but continued to market the products as safe without proper inspection.
Timeline of Injuries and Career Impact
Steiner, now 26, signed a lucrative endorsement deal with Puma in July 2022, reportedly worth around $2 million. Shortly after, she competed successfully at the World Championships, contributing to U.S. relay victories.
However, beginning in 2023, Steiner started experiencing persistent foot injuries. Between 2023 and 2025, she underwent at least three medical procedures. Her condition worsened leading up to the 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials, where she struggled through training and ultimately finished sixth in the 200-meter race, missing out on Olympic qualification.
By August 2025, Steiner announced she would step away from competitive running to focus on recovery and pursue a master’s degree in exercise science.
The Role of Carbon-Plated Shoe Technology
Steiner’s lawsuit highlights a broader trend in track and field: the rapid development of carbon-plated running shoes. Over the past decade, major brands have competed to create faster footwear using advanced materials designed to improve energy return and performance.
While these innovations have led to record-breaking performances, Steiner’s case raises concerns about whether such technologies may also increase injury risk for some athletes.
Damages and Compensation Sought
Steiner is seeking both financial and non-financial damages. These include:
- Medical expenses related to her injuries
- Lost earnings from her professional track career
- Compensation for diminished quality of life and disfigurement
The lawsuit also states that Steiner only recently discovered the connection between her injuries and the footwear, arguing that she could not have reasonably known the cause earlier.
Response From Puma
As of now, Puma and legal representatives for Steiner have not publicly responded to the allegations.
What This Means for the Sport
This case could have significant implications for the future of performance footwear in athletics. If Steiner’s claims are proven, it may lead to increased scrutiny of shoe design, testing standards, and athlete safety across the industry.
For now, the track and field world will be watching closely as one of its top athletes challenges one of the sport’s biggest brands over technology that was once seen as purely performance-enhancing.