There's no denying it—they're here to stay, and the results speak for themselves. Today, it's rare to find an elite runner, especially those vying for the podium, without a pair of carbon plate shoes on their feet. The competitive edge they offer is simply too significant to overlook.
At RUNNEA, we keep you updated on the latest advancements in the carbon plate running shoe market in 2024. Leading manufacturers like Nike, adidas, New Balance, HOKA, ASICS, Saucony, Brooks, and PUMA, among others, have all introduced flagship carbon plate shoes, solidifying the trend's prominence.
The competitive advantage of carbon plate running shoes
Many elite runners have emphasized that the time-saving calculation amounts to two or three seconds per kilometer, particularly in a demanding race like the marathon. At first glance, this may not appear to be a significant difference. However, consider running a marathon in 2 hours and 2 minutes with the aid of carbon plates, as opposed to the previous time of 2 hours and 4 minutes without them. Let's look at the facts:
The current men's marathon world record holder, Kelvin Kiptum, achieved a remarkable time of 2 hours, 00 minutes, and 35 seconds, compared to the previous record of 2 hours, 01 minute, and 09 seconds. This marks an improvement of 34 seconds!
Likewise, Tigst Assefa holds the women's marathon world record with a time of 2 hours, 11 minutes, and 53 seconds, surpassing the previous record of 2 hours, 13 minutes, and 44 seconds. This represents a notable improvement of 1 minute and 51 seconds!
This underscores the razor-thin line between securing a spot in the top three of a competition and falling short. It's undeniable that running with a carbon plate offers a distinct advantage. However, it's crucial to emphasize that carbon plate running shoes aren't suitable for everyone, particularly in competitive settings. Certain prerequisites need to be met, including a lightweight build, refined running technique, and a significant amount of racing experience, especially over long distances. While carbon plate shoes can undoubtedly provide a performance boost, they're not a one-size-fits-all solution for every runner.
The most outstanding carbon fibre plate running shoes
Here's the rundown of running shoes featuring carbon plates that you can find on the market, brought to you by RUNNEA. Which model catches your eye, or which one are you eager to try out? We understand that these shoes may not fit every budget, so our suggestion is to use the RUNNEA comparison tool to find the best prices.
- New Balance Supercomp Elite v4
- New Balance FuelCell Supercomp Trainer v2
- Nike Alphafly 3
- Nike Vaporfly 3
- Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3
- Adidas Adizero Boston 12
- ASICS METASPEED Sky+
- ASICS Magic Speed 3
- Brooks Hyperion Elite 4
- HOKA Cielo X1
- HOKA Rocket X 2
- Joma R3000 24
- Kiprun KD900X
- Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro 2
- Under Armour Velociti Elite 2
- Saucony Endorphin Pro 3
- Saucony Kinvara Pro
- On Cloudboom Echo 3
- Puma Fast-R 2 Nitro Elite
- Altra Vanish Carbon
- Reebok Floatride Energy X
New Balance Supercomp Elite v4
The New Balance FuelCell Supercomp Elite v4 epitomizes the dedicated efforts of the product designers at the Boston brand, meticulously refining every aspect of this super shoe. Tailored specifically to meet the demands of avid road runners, every enhancement in this model is geared towards optimizing performance while prioritizing comfort and safety with each step.
- Surface: Road
- Technology: Carbon plate
- Cushion: Neutral
- Running gait: Neutral
- Drop: 4 mm
- Pace: High
New Balance FuelCell Supercomp Trainer v2
The New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trainer v2 is presented with slight modifications compared to the previous version, featuring the latest technologies and materials of the American brand to become a very good choice for the fastest runners.
- Surface: Road
- Technology: Carbon plate
- Use: Training
- Cushion: Neutral, High
- Running gait: Neutral
- Drop: 6 mm
- Pace: Medium
Nike Alphafly 3
As of today, the Nike Alphafly 3 holds the prestigious title of being the world's fastest marathon shoes. This endorsement comes from none other than Kelvin Kiptum, world marathon record holder, clocked a time of just (2.00:35) while wearing them—likely a new prototype—at the Chicago Marathon in 2023. Renowned for their innovative combination of ZoomX material and carbon fiber plate, these cutting-edge Nike shoes are engineered for maximum speed. Yet, what sets them apart is not just their performance-enhancing design, but also their commitment to ensuring safety without compromise.
- Surface: Road
- Technology: Carbon plate
- Use: Racing
- Cushion: High
- Running gait: Neutral
- Drop: 8 mm
- Pace: High
Nike Vaporfly 3
The Nike Vaporfly Next% 3 is Nike's marathon racing shoe par excellence, featuring a new update with a revamped upper and midsole that includes the brand's lightest and most reactive foam , ZoomX, but with a completely new layout to be fast and efficient. You'll run sub 4:30 min/km and distances between 10k and marathon.
- Surface: Road
- Technology: Carbon plate
- Use: Racing
- Cushion: Neutral, High
- Running gait: Neutral
- Drop: 8 mm
- Pace: High
- Weight: 200 gr
Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3
The adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3 shoes are updated while maintaining that clear purpose of being the fastest shoes in the history of the brand. For this, and how could it be otherwise, adidas has implemented an evolution of its most advanced technologies to achieve this ambitious goal. In this third version of the Adizero Adios Pro, the product developers of the German brand have decided to go for an improved midsole with a double layer of LightStrike Pro foam for greater energy return. The anatomical design of the innovative EnergyRods 2.0 shanks has also evolved to boost the stride, but the upper has also been updated with the inclusion of a new mesh for more precise support and the more sustainable End Plastic Waste material to respect the environment. All designed to provide flexibility, support and breathability, but above all, maximum speed.
- Surface: Road
- Technology: Carbon plate
- Use: Racing
- Cushion: High
- Running gait: Neutral
- Drop: 6,5
- Pace: High
- Weight: 215 gr
Adidas Adizero Boston 12
The adidas Adizero Boston 12 is a running shoe that integrates Energy Rods for quick workouts or sets but also allows us to participate in road competitions with guaranteed success. The trainer features the German brand's best technologies.
- Surface: Road
- Use: Training, Racing
- Cushion: Neutral
- Running gait: Neutral
- Drop: 7 mm
- Pace: High
ASICS METASPEED Sky+
The ASICS METASPEED Sky is the flagship racing shoe. A model that has been renewed with important changes to maximize the speed experience of this model. More FlyteFoam Blast Turbo foam, up to 4% more than in the original model, and a new positioning of the carbon plate are the technological resources that position these ASICS METASPEED Sky as a benchmark in flying shoes. They are able to increase energy return, and also favor the propulsion phase for those runners who run more stride than cadence.
- Surface: Road
- Technology: Carbon plate
- Use: Racing
- Cushion: High
- Running gait: Neutral
- Drop: 5 mm
- Pace: High
- Weight: 205 gr
ASICS Magic Speed 3
The new version of the ASICS Magic Speed 3 is presented as an evolution in the Magic Speed range of the Japanese brand. Versatility and good cushioning are two of the most outstanding features of this running shoe that we will be able to use in our training or long-distance competitions at fast paces.
- Surface: Road
- Technology: Carbon plate
- Use: Racing, Mixed
- Cushion: Neutral
- Running gait: Neutral
- Drop: 7 mm
- Pace: High
Brooks Hyperion Elite 4
The Brooks Hyperion Elite 4 stands out from other fast shoes through its unique combination of an evolved DNA Flash v2 foam midsole and an accompanying carbon plate. This pairing sets it apart, offering a new fit that enhances performance. More notably, the model boasts a remarkable 10% increase in energy return compared to its predecessor.
- Surface: Road
- Technology: Carbon plate
- Use: Racing
- Cushion: High
- Running gait: Neutral
- Drop: 8 mm
- Pace: High
- Weight: 221 gr
HOKA Cielo X1
The HOKA Cielo X1 is the latest addition to the realm of carbon plate running shoes, and its arrival marks a significant redefinition of speed in long-distance running. Innovative, fast, yet also prioritizing comfort and safety, it stands out for its dual-density midsole, exceptional lightness, dynamic cuts, and impressive propulsion capabilities. These features combine to earn it the reputation of being a true "record breaker" model.
- Surface: Road
- Technology: Carbon plate
- Use: Training, Racing
- Cushion: Neutral
- Running gait: Neutral
- Drop: 7 mm
- Pace: High
- Weight: 210 gr
HOKA Rocket X 2
The HOKA Rocket X 2 is one of the latest releases of the American brand. A trainer designed for the fastest runners, which has interesting new features compared to the previous version, including a remastered carbon plate that is located between the new ultra reactive PEBA foams.
- Surface: Road
- Technology: Carbon plate
- Use: Racing
- Cushion: Neutral, High
- Running gait: Neutral
- Drop: 5 mm
- Pace: High
- Weight: 236 gr
Joma R3000 24
Everything about the Joma R3000 24 feels refreshingly new, marking a milestone as the first carbon plate running shoe from the Spanish brand. In this latest edition, every modification is meticulously crafted to elevate your running experience and enhance efficiency. With a revamped geometry, a more structured heel, an evolved carbon plate, and a redesigned upper, this model is geared towards helping you unleash your full potential on the road.
- Surface: Road
- Technology: Carbon plate
- Use: Racing
- Cushion: Neutral
- Running gait: Neutral
- Drop: 8 mm
- Pace: High
Kiprun KD900X
The Kiprun KD900X running shoes are Decathlon's first model with a carbon plate, and they stand out for being dynamic, lightweight and durable. To date this is the French company's fastest option for road running, especially to try to beat personal bests. Pebax's exclusive VFOAM foam is 20% more dynamic than most conventional running shoes. So this combination of foam and carbon plate results in 75% energy return.
- Surface: Road
- Technology: Carbon plate
- Use: Training, Racing
- Cushion: Neutral
- Running gait: Neutral
- Drop: 8 mm
- Pace: Medium, High
- Weight: 225 gr
Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro 2
The Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro 2 made a bold statement with its original version, leaving no one indifferent. With the decisive inclusion of Mizuno Enerzy Lite and Lite+ compounds, paired with a carbon-infused nylon plate, this shoe is crafted to provide unparalleled reactivity, smoothness, and propulsion, enabling runners to achieve faster speeds across all distances. However, it's worth noting that your refined technique will ultimately determine what your next goal will be.
- Surface: Road
- Technology: Carbon plate
- Use: Racing
- Cushion: Neutral
- Running gait: Neutral
- Pace: High
Under Armour Velociti Elite 2
The Under Armour Velociti Elite 22 reaffirms that a shoe doesn't need bulky geometry or significantly high profiles to deliver speed, efficiency, and comfort. Its combination of Pebax and Flow foams ensures lightness, reactivity, and enhanced sensitivity with every stride. Additionally, the full-length carbon plate offers a more explosive toe-off, making it perfect for fast running over medium and long distances.
- Surface: Road
- Technology: Carbon plate
- Use: Racing
- Cushion: Neutral
- Running gait: Neutral
- Drop: 8 mm
- Pace: High
- Weight: 232 gr
Saucony Endorphin Pro 3
The Saucony Endorphin Pro 3 combines the most advanced technologies of the North American company to improve the feeling of propulsion and dynamism in each stride. Read PWRRUN PB midsole, SpeedRoll technology and carbon fiber plate. The FormFit fit of the upper improves the fit of the model to run fast, but also to enjoy great cushioning that offers safety and protection in every kilometer run. In addition, this third version of Saucony s fast Endorphin Pro is a faster, lighter and more comfortable running shoes. Competition Shoe to bring out your best version on the asphalt.
- Surface: Road
- Use: Racing
- Cushion: High
- Running gait: Neutral
- Drop: 8 mm
- Pace: High
- Weight: 204H/175M
Saucony Kinvara Pro
The Saucony Kinvara Pro is another example of a choice that is capable of powering up your workout. It's not just about putting on your bib and competing. Maximum cushioning and decent support for all kinds of distances, but with all the virtues of a pair of super shoes in terms of responsiveness and propulsion.
- Surface: Road
- Technology: Carbon plate
- Use: Training, Racing
- Cushion: Neutral, High
- Running gait: Neutral
- Drop: 8 mm
- Pace: High
On Cloudboom Echo 3
The new On Cloudboom Echo 3 is the fastest running shoe from On Running. The trainer has a carbon plate and presents interesting new features compared to the previous version, mainly in the midsole and the upper.
- Surface: Road
- Technology: Carbon plate
- Use: Racing
- Cushion: High
- Running gait: Neutral
- Drop: 10 mm
- Pace: High
- Weight: 217 gr
Puma Fast-R 2 Nitro Elite
When it comes to attention-grabbing super shoes, the new PUMA Fast R Nitro Elite 2s definitely steal the spotlight. They're not just disruptive; they also boast a level of high performance that few models can rival. The stats speak for themselves: up to 22% more energy storage, up to 46% more energy return, and up to 20% lighter. In essence, PUMA's fastest model to date offers innovation, speed, and unprecedented performance, all finely tuned for competition across all distances.
- Surface: Road
- Technology: Carbon plate
- Use: Racing
- Cushion: Neutral
- Running gait: Neutral
- Drop: 8 mm
- Pace: High
- Weight: 260 gr
Altra Vanish Carbon
The Altra Vanish Carbon is the North American brand's commitment to speed and the carbon plate. It is a running shoe designed for fast runners with a refined running technique as it features the brand's characteristic 0mm drop and has some of the best technologies and materials of Altra Running.
- Surface: Road
- Technology: Carbon plate
- Use: Racing
- Cushion: High
- Running gait: Neutral
- Pace: High
- Weight: 207 gr
Reebok Floatride Energy X
Wrapping up our list is the innovative Rebook Floatride Energy X. This model boasts exceptional cushioning, ensuring excellent comfort throughout your run. Not only does it excel in cushioning, but it also offers outstanding breathability and flexibility. The fusion of the carbon plate and Floatride Energy X foam promises to propel you towards breaking your personal records in your next race.
- Surface: Road
- Technology: Carbon plate
- Use: Racing
- Cushion: High
- Running gait: Neutral
- Drop: 6 mm
- Pace: High
- Weight: 258 gr
What types of plate are used in running shoes today?
Since Eliud Kipchoge's groundbreaking achievement of 1:59:40 in the exclusive Vienna event, where he became the first man to unofficially break the two-hour marathon barrier, a lot has happened. Kipchoge's pioneering carbon plate shoes have undergone significant evolution. Now, the reactivity level of a particular model can be evaluated with materials beyond carbon.
At RUNNEA, we delve into the various types of plates in running shoes and outline their benefits.
Carbon fibre plate
- Stiffness and Propulsion: Carbon fibre is renowned for its exceptional stiffness and lightness. When integrated into the midsole, a plate made of this material can notably enhance propulsion, enabling runners to sustain higher speeds with reduced effort.
- Running Economy: The presence of a carbon fibre plate enhances running economy by minimizing the amount of energy expended per step, thereby facilitating more efficient running.
- Durability: Carbon fibre plates provide outstanding durability without adding extra weight, ensuring longevity and performance throughout the shoe's lifespan.
Not sure which running shoe to choose?
In a few simple steps we help you to choose the ideal running shoe for you
Go to the Shoe FinderFibreglass Plate
- Flexibility with Support: Fibreglass, being less stiff than carbon fibre, provides a balanced combination of flexibility and support. This makes it ideal for runners seeking a shoe with firmness but without the extreme rigidity of carbon fibr.
- Cost-effectiveness: Fibreglass plates are typically more affordable than carbon fibre alternatives, making shoes equipped with them a budget-friendly option without compromising significantly on performance.
TPU plate
- Versatility and Durability: TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) stands out as a versatile material known for its outstanding durability and resistance to abrasion. This makes it well-suited for various running conditions, ensuring longevity and reliability.
- Flexibility and Energy Return: While TPU offers more flexibility compared to carbon fibre, it still delivers a commendable level of energy return. This characteristic aids in propelling the runner forward, contributing to a dynamic and responsive running experience.
Pebax plate
- Lightweight and Resilient: Pebax is known for its remarkable lightweight properties and resilience, making it an ideal choice for running shoes. Its excellent energy return capabilities provide runners with a sense of enhanced reactivity and agility during their runs.
- Temperature Adaptability: Pebax maintains its properties across a wide temperature range, ensuring consistent performance regardless of the climate conditions. This adaptability makes it a reliable option for runners who train or compete in various environments.
Nylon Plate
- Moderate Flexibility: Nylon provides a blend of moderate flexibility and stiffness, offering runners a balanced and versatile running experience. This makes it suitable for those who prefer a shoe with some flexibility but still desire sufficient support.
- Strength and Durability: Nylon is highly resistant to wear and tear, maintaining its shape and properties over extended periods. This inherent strength contributes significantly to the durability of the shoe, ensuring long-lasting performance and reliability.
It's worth remembering that running shoes with carbon plate are not exclusively for competition. As you will see, there are also models designed for daily training. It's just a matter of deciding which model fits you depending on your needs.
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