Our team tests 120+ running shoes for at least 50 miles. These are the best running shoes with carbon plate.
Updated: January 16th, 2023
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The Hoka Tecton X is a fast, lightweight trail race shoe that performs best on smooth, non-technical terrain.
Katherine Takai
Long Distance Runner, former Sprinter.
Racing shoes are no longer thin pieces of foam glued to a mesh upper. They are high-tech machines which look like regular shoes from the outside all with the purpose of getting their runner over the finish line first.
Every brand has their flagship racer which contains a carbon fiber plate paired with their version of a super foam. This is an informative guide on which carbon fibre plated running shoe is right for you.
“The Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite is a uniquely designed super shoe which is best suited to races up to the half-marathon, intervals and short threshold runs. It has an aggressive sole design which encourages fast heel-to-toe transitions but its firm EVA heel makes transitions feel disjointed at slow paces. The Fast-R Nitro Elite isn’t as versatile or durable as the Deviate Nitro Elite 2 however it does feel faster during short bursts. ”
“The ASICS Metaspeed Sky+ is still one of the top-tier marathon racers. It has a great combination of propulsion, cushioning, efficiency and stability. The Sky+ has more midsole foam, especially in the forefoot which increases the cushioning but it has a flatter carbon plate profile which makes it feel slower. The Sky+ is better for long distances at slower paces compared to the original Sky which provided more propulsion. ”
Recommended for
If you’re looking for a top-of-the-range racing shoe which is highly cushioned, propulsive, and more stable than the Vaporfly, the Metaspeed Sky+ is an excellent choice. The Sky+ can handle slower paces because of its wider base while it has phenomenal upper comfort and enough cushioning for...
“The Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3 is a long-distance specialist. Its highly cushioned midsole and its efficient, energy saving ride make it perfect for marathons and beyond. Version 3 has more foam in the forefoot, a wider net base and a more aggressive toe-spring which makes it softer, more stable and more propulsive than the previous version. ”
Recommended for
If you're a runner looking for a marathon super shoe with a forward-tipping sensation that's softer than most, the Adios Pro 3 is an excellent choice. It excels at long-distance runs and at target marathon pace.
“The Nike Zoom Fly 5 is a well-cushioned, carbon-plated training shoe suited to long, slow runs. It has excellent stability and a muted forward-tipping sensation during toe-offs. Version 5 has a more traditional, padded upper, a full-length ZoomX core which provides extra cushioning and a wider midsole base for extra stability. The Zoom Fly 5 is the slowest Zoom Fly version to date but also the most comfortable. ”
Recommended for
If you’re a runner looking for a stiff training shoe for long, slow runs the Zoom Fly 5 is a good option. The Zoom Fly 5 has a rockered midsole geometry which assists with easing transitions, making it feel efficient during long runs.
Carbon fiber plated shoes are relatively new to the market and each one is loaded with their brand’s latest bells and whistles.
These carbon fiber plated shoes are made in small quantities compared to regular daily training shoes so they don’t have economies of scale to reduce the costs yet.
Marathoners also don’t mind paying a premium for a shoe to help them run a fast time when they have been training for months for their race.
Are the more expensive carbon fiber plated shoes better than the less expensive ones?
No. There is no “one size fits all” approach to shoes. It’s all down to personal preference and foot type. Some of the flagship racing shoes are more suited to elite runners with perfect running form and foot strike than the average runner.
Why are some carbon fibre plated shoes so difficult to buy?
Many of these flagship racing shoes are still on their first version and shoe companies still want to dip their toes in the water and see what the reception is. These shoes are also made in small quantities because they are difficult to make and the companies haven’t smoothed out the production process yet.
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