Does the latest technology detract from shoe flexibilty?

I can't help think that while these power cushions, carbon midsoles etc. add stability to the rear of the shoe they take away a degree of flexibilty from the middle of it.

To test the shoe's flexibility you hold it with both hands either side of the middle of the shoe and twist in opposite directions.

Walking into the sports store and testing shoes they all seem to be pretty stiff, although I wonder how much they flex after a few weeks usage.

I tested my shb-95's against my shb-80's both after several months use and the 80's without all the new technology flex somewhat more.

I dunno, all this height off the ground and the extra stuff at the rear of the shoe is making me a bit wary. The simple gumsole shoes had a single layer of plastic which allowed the shoe to flex a lot more.

Any thoughts on this?

Why would you want your shoe to flex into those positions? I got a pair of SHB 92 but I never had a situation where I think the flexibilty of the shoe affected my game I mean ywhen you hold your foot with both hands either side of the middle of the foot and twist in opposite directions it doesnt really bend so why would you need your shoes to? As for height off the ground I used to play with Addidas running trainers and if I put them back on now if feels like I'm miles up in the air in comparison but where the old shoes as comfortable as the new ones if you I guess its a comprimise you have to make more comfort for slightly higher shoes.

If your foot is normal there is no problem. If you have a flat foot, the stability is really good for you.

If your foot pronates like me (high arch) the shoe has to be as flexible as possible with or without arch support particularly in the mid shoe area where the arch is used as a brake. I'm running into problems now which I never got in the good old days so I'm wondering whether some of the flexiblity of the shoes have been diminished by the extra features.

Oh didnt know that :D

Neither did I until I bust my knee lol :D

a little bit off topic. but my guess is that the Yonex boss must be flat footed. obvious from the fact that Yonex has been releasing 3E size shoes lately. and does that explain why Yonex has been releasing less flexible sole lately? :)

lol well yeah I think that might be true!
What's the best way to take the flexibility out of a shoe? Slice the shoe in two, put a solid carbon plate inbetween the top and bottom half and reseal. Carbon isn't exactly the Worlds most flexible material is it?! :p