John Mercer

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Professor, Kinesiology and Nutrition Sciences

Co-director, UNLV Sports Innovation

Expertise: Biomechanics (physics of sports), Kinesiology (study of human movement), Running

Biography

John Mercer is a professor of kinesiology, which is the study of how the human body moves. A triathlete of more than 25 years, he is an expert in biomechanics (the physics of sports) and running.

A prolific researcher, Mercer recently directed kinesiology-focused studies on rehabilitation techniques like running in the water and running with body weight support, how shoe design is important to consider for children runners, and if rocker-bottom styled shoes increase muscle development in the lower legs.

His work has been published in dozens of industry publications including the Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology, the Journal of Applied Biomechanics, the European Journal of Applied Physiology, and Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise.

Mercer is a co-director of UNLV Sports Innovation, a university-wide sports research hub. He is also chair of UNLV’s Biomedical Institutional Review Board, which approves, monitors, and reviews biomedical and social/behavioral research involving human subjects in order to protect their rights and welfare.

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John Mercer In The News

What Can Happen to Your Feet If You Wear the Same Shoes for Running and Lifting

SELF

Maybe you’re a runner who strength trains to stay injury-free, a lifter who dabbles in sprinting for power, or someone who’s aiming to incorporate both cardio and resistance into your general routine—a.k.a. the original “hybrid athlete.”

Are Your Feet Strong Enough for Super Shoes? Here’s How to Get Them Ready

RUN

Massive leaps in shoe technology have revolutionized high-performance footwear over the past five years. Yes, we’re talking about super shoes. The number of runners racing in carbon-plated shoes jumped a staggering 14 percent just from 2023 to 2024, according to data from Strava.

The Best Running Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis, According To Podiatrists And Trainers

Women's Health

Is arch pain putting a serious damper on your running game? If so, it’s time to hit the sneaker shop (IRL or virtually!) to find the best running shoes for plantar fasciitis. To make sure we covered all the bases for those suffering from the sometimes chronic foot condition, we talked to four experts, including two podiatrists, and put some of their picks to the test ourselves.

Podiatrists And Trainers Say These Running Shoes Can Ease Plantar Fasciitis Pain