Elite Runners: Reasons for Leg Shaving, Science, and Practicalities

Do Elite Runners Shave Their Legs?

While not a universal practice, many elite runners, both male and female, do shave their legs for a variety of reasons, though the direct performance benefit is often marginal and secondary to other practical and psychological factors.

The Short Answer: Is It Common?

Yes, it is relatively common to see elite runners with shaved legs, particularly in professional circles. This practice extends across various endurance sports, including cycling and swimming, where the perceived benefits are often more pronounced. For runners, the reasons are less about significant aerodynamic gains and more about a combination of practical, psychological, and traditional factors.

Potential Rationales for Leg Shaving Among Runners

The decision to shave legs for running is rarely based on a single, definitive scientific advantage. Instead, it's often a confluence of several perceived benefits:

• Perceived Aerodynamic Advantage: This is perhaps the most commonly cited, albeit least scientifically supported, reason for runners. The idea is that smooth skin reduces drag, allowing for a fractionally faster performance. While this might hold some weight in high-speed sports like cycling or swimming, where relative air/water resistance is a major factor, the impact on a runner's performance at typical speeds is negligible to non-existent. Air resistance becomes a significant factor primarily at very high speeds (e.g., >30 mph), which are typically not sustained in running.
• Enhanced Massage and Recovery: Many elite athletes receive regular sports massages as part of their recovery protocol. Hairless legs can make deep tissue massage more comfortable, reduce friction, and prevent hair pulling, allowing therapists to work more effectively on the muscles. This facilitates better circulation, reduces muscle soreness, and aids in faster recovery between intense training sessions.
• Wound Care and Hygiene: Runners, especially trail runners or those who train frequently, are prone to scrapes, abrasions, and road rash. Shaved legs simplify the cleaning and dressing of wounds, reduce the risk of infection, and prevent hair from getting caught in bandages or medical tape. Furthermore, it can make the application and removal of kinesiology tape or athletic tape less painful and more effective, as the tape adheres better to smooth skin.
• Aesthetic and Psychological Factors: For some athletes, shaved legs are part of a professional aesthetic or a personal preference that contributes to a sense of readiness and focus. The feeling of smooth skin might also contribute to a psychological "lightness" or a perceived increase in speed, even if the actual physical benefit is minimal. It can be part of a pre-race ritual that helps an athlete feel prepared and confident.
• Tradition and Peer Influence: In many elite sporting environments, certain practices become normalized through tradition and peer influence. If many top athletes in a given sport shave their legs, newcomers or aspiring elites may adopt the practice without thoroughly scrutinizing its scientific basis, simply because "that's what serious runners do."

The Science Behind Aerodynamics and Hair

The science behind aerodynamic drag is complex, but its application to running and body hair is generally straightforward:

• Cycling vs. Running: Studies in cycling have shown that shaved legs can provide a measurable, albeit small, aerodynamic advantage, potentially saving a few seconds over a 40km time trial. This is because cyclists reach higher speeds and are more exposed to wind resistance for longer durations.
• Research Findings in Running: For runners, the speeds involved are significantly lower, and the primary resistance comes from the ground reaction force and internal physiological factors, not air resistance against leg hair. No credible scientific research has demonstrated a performance advantage for shaved legs in running that is statistically significant or practically meaningful. The drag created by leg hair is minuscule compared to the total drag experienced by a runner's body.

Practical Considerations for Runners

While the performance benefits are debatable, runners considering leg shaving should also weigh practical aspects:

• Skin Health: Shaving can lead to skin irritation, razor burn, ingrown hairs, and folliculitis, especially with frequent shaving. Proper technique and aftercare are essential to maintain skin health.
• Time and Effort: Maintaining smooth legs requires regular effort. For athletes already dedicating significant time to training and recovery, this can be an additional time commitment.

Conclusion: A Marginal Gain, Not a Prerequisite

Ultimately, the decision for elite runners to shave their legs is largely personal and multifactorial. While the direct aerodynamic performance benefit for running is negligible, the practice can offer practical advantages related to massage, wound care, and hygiene. Furthermore, psychological factors and team traditions can play a significant role. It is not a prerequisite for elite performance, nor will it be the deciding factor in winning a race. Any perceived "gain" from leg shaving in running is likely marginal and secondary to rigorous training, proper nutrition, and mental fortitude.