Earlier quoted context omitted.
They can make a difference for athletes: "The data showed significant differences in the oxygen uptake (a way to measure the energy cost of running) in the Vaporfly shoe resulting in a 2.8 percent improved running economy, or the amount of energy it takes a runner to go a certain distance, over the Adidas shoe on average" https://lifesciences.byu.edu/can-your-shoes-really-make-you-...
Also the significant benefits that comes from improved post-run recovery with modern super shoes, allowing athletes to run significantly more weekly mileage.
Proper post-run recovery allows for infinite distance.