In this day and age, there is no doubt about it. They are here to stay, and the results are proving them right. Nowadays there is no elite runner, especially those who aspire to be on the final podium of each race, who does not compete with a carbon shoe on their feet. The competitive advantage is too great to miss the opportunity.
At RUNNEA, even as the year changes, we continue to update you on the best carbon plate running shoes that continue to expand this coveted segment of the market through 2025. In fact, all the top manufacturers such as Nike, adidas, New Balance, HOKA, ASICS, Saucony, Brooks, and PUMA, among others, already have their flagships in terms of super running shoes with carbon plate.
The competitive advantage of running shoes with carbon plates
Many elite runners have indicated that the time saving calculation is in two or three seconds per kilometer run in a distance such as the marathon. A priori, and on paper it may not seem to be a big difference. However, if we tell you that this means running a marathon in 2 hours and 2 minutes, while before, without the famous carbon plates, the time could be 2 hours and 4 minutes. But going to the facts, and applying this theory...
The world record in the men's marathon is held by Kelvin Kiptum: 2 hours 00 minutes and 35 seconds. Previous record 2 hours 01 minute 09 seconds Improvement of 34 seconds!
The women's marathon world record is held by Ruth Chepngetich: 2 hours 9 minutes 56 seconds. Previous record, Tigst Assefa; 2 hours 11 minutes and 53 seconds, an improvement of 1 minute and 57 seconds!
This means that the line between being in the top three of the competition or not is too fine. Running with a plate is not the same as running without a plate, that's for sure. Now we must also try to educate on this issue, and we stress that running shoes with a plate are not designed for everyone, if we are talking about competition. Of course, not all runners are going to take advantage of them in the same way. Certain requirements must be met, such as: light weight, refined running technique and a certain amount of racing experience (especially over long distances).
The most outstanding running shoes with a carbon fiber plate
The following list that we present you from RUNNEA is the one that shows the running shoes that implement carbon plates in their constructions, and that you can already find in the market. Which of the models do you prefer or which one would you like to try? We know that their prices are not for all budgets, so our proposal can only be that you use our RUNNEA comparator to get the best price.
- New Balance Supercomp Elite v4
- New Balance FuelCell Supercomp Trainer v3
- Nike Alphafly 3
- Brooks Hyperion Elite 4
- Nike Vaporfly 3
- Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4
- Adidas Adizero Boston 12
- ASICS Metaspeed Sky Paris
- ASICS Magic Speed 4
- Joma R5000
- HOKA Cielo X1
- HOKA Skyward X
- Kiprun KD900X LD
- Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro 3
- Under Armour Velociti Elite 2
- Saucony Endorphin Pro 4
- Saucony Kinvara Pro
- On Cloudboom Echo 3
- Puma Deviate Nitro 3
- Altra Vanish Carbon
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.
New Balance FuelCell Supercomp Trainer v3
We could not miss in this list of the best running models with carbon plate the iconic New Balance FuelCell Supercomp Trainer v3, a running shoe with carbon fiber plate that perfectly combines comfort and speed. We are talking about a third edition that surprises for its light weight, dynamism and reactivity. A model made to fly over the road for which it will be necessary to have a great running technique if you want to get the best possible performance. Undoubtedly, one of the crown jewels of the New Balance catalog as far as asphalt is concerned.
New Balance FuelCell Supercomp Trainer v3
New Balance FuelCell Supercomp Trainer v3
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.
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.
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.
Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4
The adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 are running shoes that are intended for competition. They stand out for having a Lightstrike Pro midsole, a compound known for its lightness and great reactivity in the race. In addition, its Lightlock upper, made from a lightweight and elastic mesh, offers the best possible fit. As if that were not enough, this is an adidas model with a Lighttraxion sole that barely weighs 200 grams (172 grams in the women's version), which makes it comfortable and dynamic in equal parts.
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.
ASICS Metaspeed Sky Paris
As the name suggests, the revamped ASICS Metaspeed Sky Paris is designed to make a difference in the Olympic marathon at the Olympic Games in the French capital next summer. The carbon plate fast running shoe features the Japanese brand's most advanced and cutting-edge technologies. The inclusion of the new FlyteFoam Blast Turbo Plus foam in the midsole redefines cushioning, because it is able to offer superior rebound capacity, and also a smoother ride. Aside from being lighter than previous versions, it also features a full-length carbon plate for improved efficiency and speed.
ASICS Magic Speed 4
The ASICS Magic Speed 4 are running shoes designed to offer the greatest dynamism and reactivity of the Japanese company and in which it has decidedly opted for the use of recycled material throughout the manufacturing process. They are designed to provide speed, dynamism and reactivity to anyone looking for speed in both demanding training sessions and competitions. The midsole of the shoe features Flyte Foam Turbo technology, the lightest and most reactive cushioning technology of the Japanese brand, while the outsole of the shoe maintains the design of the previous edition in which the carbon plate is visible in the middle and has the Asics Grip rubber. All this with a full-length carbon fiber plate that helps us to improve propulsion in each of our strides.
Joma R5000
The new Joma R5000 is one of the latest launches of the brand from Portillo de Toledo and represents a real revolution in Joma running shoes. The new version is presented with important improvements and with the incorporation of the carbon fiber plate, designed to mark your best times.
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.
HOKA Skyward X
We are sure that the new HOKA Skyward X will be one of the most popular shoes of the brand for this new season 2024. It is a shoe with maximalist profiles but with a carbon fiber plate to provide great dynamism and reactivity.
Kiprun KD900X LD
This new Kiprun KD900X LD is Decathlon's second carbon plate running shoe, and comes to enhance the running experience over multiple distances, including the marathon. The exclusive VFOAM PLUS foam is a qualitative leap in its cushioning system, because it is able to offer a higher degree of responsiveness and a great energy return in each stride. It should be noted that this premium model from Kiprun is designed in collaboration with the French brand's athletes -Bravin Kiptoo and Méline Rollin, among others- to improve results in long-distance competitions.
Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro 3
Mizuno could not be missing in this list thanks to the Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro 3, a running shoe designed for the fastest runners due to the combination of Smooth Speed Assist and Mizuno Enerzy XP technologies, two systems that provide a totally fluid, reactive and dynamic stride. In addition, the upper stands out for its lightness and breathability while, despite not incorporating a carbon fiber plate to use, but possessing that Enerzy XP compound, it will combine energy return, lightness and comfort perfectly. And all with a total weight of just 225 grams, making it one of the lightest models in the super running shoes sector.
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.
Saucony Endorphin Pro 4
The Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 is, together with the Endorphin Elite, the fastest shoe of the brand that incorporates the carbon fiber plate. This new version is renewed incorporating very significant improvements to position it even more as a top shoe in the market.
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.
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.
Puma Deviate Nitro 3
The PUMA Deviate Nitro 3 is a running shoe characterized by a great combination of cushioning and reactivity. The new version improves on the PUMA Deviate Nitro 2 and modifies some of its main features as the new version has a higher drop,10 millimeters, to reach a wider profile of runners. It has an upper made with a lightweight engineered mesh in which PWR technology is strategically placed to provide support in areas of high stress. The midsole features NITROFOAM technology that combines perfectly with a carbon fiber PWR plate for a smoother and more consistent source of speed.
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.
What types of plate can be used in running shoes today?
Since Eliud Kipchoge achieved a stratospheric time of 1:59:40 in that exclusive event in Vienna, which made him the first man in the world to go below the 2 hour marathon, albeit without being an approved mark, a lot has happened, and those innovative carbon plate shoes of Kipchoge have evolved so much that the level of reactivity of a particular model can also be evaluated with other types of materials other than carbon.
At RUNNEA we introduce you to the different types of plate in running shoes, as well as all their benefits.
Carbon fiber plate
- Stiffness and propulsion: carbon fiber is known for its exceptional stiffness and lightness. A plate of this material in the midsole can significantly increase propulsion, helping runners maintain a higher speed with less effort.
- Running economy: improves running economy by reducing the amount of energy the runner expends per step, allowing for more efficient running.
- Durability: offers exceptional durability without adding additional weight.
Fiberglass plate
- Flexibility with support: less stiff than carbon fiber, fiberglass offers a good balance between flexibility and support, suitable for runners looking for a shoe with some firmness but without the extreme stiffness of carbon fiber.
- Cost-effectiveness: generally, fiberglass plates are less expensive than carbon fiber, making the shoes more affordable without sacrificing much performance.
TPU plate
- Versatility and durability: TPU is a versatile material that offers excellent durability and abrasion resistance, making it suitable for different running conditions.
- Flexibility and energy return: Although it offers more flexibility than carbon fiber, TPU still provides a good level of energy return, helping to propel the runner forward.
Pebax plate
- Lightweight and resilient: Pebax is a remarkably lightweight and resilient material, offering excellent energy return. This translates into a feeling of greater reactivity and agility during the run.
- Temperature adaptability: it maintains its properties over a wide temperature range, which means that its performance is consistent in different climates.
Nylon Plate
- Moderate flexibility: nylon offers a combination of moderate flexibility and stiffness, making it suitable for runners seeking a balanced running experience.
- Strength and durability: it is resistant to wear and maintains its shape and properties over a long period of time, which contributes to the shoe's durability.
We would also like to point out that all these running shoes with carbon plate are not exclusively for competition. As you will see, there are also models focused on daily training. It's just a matter of deciding which model fits you depending on your own needs and goals to overcome.
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