It is clear that trail running has experienced exponential growth in recent years. Proof of this is the increased investment of all brands, not only in sponsorships and collaborations in high-level races throughout the world's mountains, but also in the development of specific equipment, such as trail running shoes.
And as we enjoy talking about equipment so much, and in particular, about shoes, we didn't want to miss the opportunity to highlight a niche market that, not so long ago, wasalmost nonexistent. We are talking, of course, about trail running shoes with a carbon plate. Do you want to know which ones are the best? Pay attention!
Not sure which shoe to choose?
In a few simple steps we help you to choose the ideal running shoe for you.
GO TO THE RECOMMENDERThe 11 best trail running shoes with a carbon plate
What once arrived in the world road running to completely revolutionise the reality of our beloved sport has now firmly established itself, also in the mountain market. The search for reactivity, dynamism, and why not say it, protection, has led brands to explore new horizons with which to consolidate their trail models at the top. Many times, thanks to that "blessed" carbon fibre technology.
Here are what we consider to be the most competitive, complete and efficient carbon plate trail running shoes on the market. Do you agree with us?
New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trail
The New Balance FuelCell SC Trail is a trail running shoe designed for trail runners who need speed. The lightweight, secure upper features a design that provides a feeling of ventilation, while the Vibram Lightbase and Megagrip outsole technologies provide impressive grip, traction and durability on all types of terrain. The FuelCell midsole adds a propulsive, cushioned feel underfoot. A foam made from 3% bio-sourced materials delivers the ideal propulsive feel to help you go farther.
- Surface: Trail
- Technology: Carbon plate
- Use: Training, Racing
- Cushion: Neutral
- Running gait: Neutral
- Drop: 10 mm
- Pace: Medium, High
- Weight: 272 gr
New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trail
New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trail
Nike Ultrafly
The Nike ZoomX Ultrafly is the latest great novelty from Nike, a trainer that will not go unnoticed as it is the first trail running model of the American brand that includes the carbon plate in its structure. In addition, it also has a Vibram sole to achieve a totally differential model on the market.
- Surface: Trail
- Technology: Carbon plate
- Use: Racing, Mixed
- Cushion: Neutral
- Running gait: Neutral
- Drop: 8,5
- Pace: Medium, High
HOKA Tecton X 2
The HOKA Tecton X 2 is a trail running shoe that combines the best technologies and materials of the brand and that reaffirms, in its second edition, its place as one of the most powerful trainers on the mountain market. It is a carbon plate model that will help you run from medium to long distances with unbeatable safety and comfort without compromising dynamism. A model of 252 grams of weight and a 5-millimetre drop with a profile of 32 millimetres that will not leave any runner indifferent.
- Surface: Trail
- Technology: Carbon plate
- Use: Training, Racing
- Cushion: Neutral
- Running gait: Neutral
- Drop: 5 mm
- Pace: Medium
- Weight: 252 gr
ASICS Fuji Speed 2
The ASICS Fuji Speed 2 is one of the great novelties of the second half of 2023, a new trail running shoe from the Japanese brand arrives with major changes. The most prominent is the incorporation of the carbon plate to bring more dynamism and speed to the trainer.
- Surface: Trail
- Technology: Carbon plate
- Use: Mixed
- Cushion: Neutral
- Running gait: Neutral
- Drop: 5 mm
- Pace: Medium
- Weight: 210 gr
Adidas Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra
The new adidas Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra features a new, more dynamic rocker, but this revolutionary design stands out because of its midsole with exclusive LIGHTSTRIKE PRO foam. This translates into a perfect combination of cushioning and energy return for the purpose of adding extra speed to every stride. An ideal model for an experienced and demanding trail runner who is lightweight and looking for a high-performance trail running shoe that allows you to run very fast, but also very reliably.
- Surface: Trail
- Technology: Carbon plate
- Use: Racing
- Cushion: Neutral
- Running gait: Neutral
- Pace: High
The North Face Summit Vectiv Pro
The The North Face Summit Vectiv Pro is a trail running shoe designed to offer maximum performance and response in demanding races. A model that stands out for its aforementioned stability and protection thanks to its Vectiv 2.0 carbon fibre plate. In addition, the rocker technology has a curvature with a 10 mm higher elevation at the toe compared to Vectiv Enduris II. A model that also stands out for its versatility, as it is suitable for short and aggressive distances as well as for longer distances.
- Surface: Trail
- Technology: Carbon plate
- Use: Training, Racing
- Cushion: Neutral
- Running gait: Neutral
- Drop: 6 mm
- Pace: Medium
The North Face Summit Vectiv Sky
The The North Face Summit Vectiv Sky are trail running shoes prepared to offer maximum response in high-intensity races and medium and short distances. We are talking about a model of The North Face's Vectiv line that stands out for its stability and protection thanks to its carbon fibre plate. In addition, its heel positioning technology guarantees freedom of movement on uneven terrain. With a drop of 4 millimetres and a weight of 272 grams, in addition to the Surface CTRL rubber outsole, with 3.5-millimetre lugs, and the 4-millimetre Pebax insert, this is one of the best performing silhouettes of the season.
- Surface: Trail
- Technology: Carbon plate
- Use: Racing
- Cushion: Neutral
- Running gait: Neutral
- Drop: 4 mm
- Pace: Medium, High
- Weight: 272 gr
Salomon Pulsar Trail Pro
The Salomon Pulsar Trail Pro model is designed with the latest-generation technologies of the French brand. The new Energy Blade system that it incorporates consists of a TPU plate to offer greater power, while obtaining greater energy return with each step. But, in addition to that superior responsiveness, these Pulsar Trail Pro trainers are also capable of offering high levels of comfort and stability, even for running at really low paces. Designed for experienced trail runners looking to improve their times in all types of mountain terrain
- Surface: Trail
- Technology: Carbon plate
- Use: Training, Racing
- Cushion: High
- Running gait: Neutral
- Drop: 6mm
- Pace: Medium, High
- Weight: 270gr
Saucony Endorphin Edge
The Saucony Endorphin Edge is the first trail running shoe from the American brand to include the coveted carbon plate in its midsole and, this new season, it updates its colours. The intuitive and flexible Carbitex AFX three-quarter carbon fibre chassis provides speed and efficiency without losing contact with the terrain.
- Surface: Trail
- Technology: Carbon plate
- Use: Racing
- Cushion: Neutral
- Running gait: Neutral
- Drop: 6 mm
- Pace: High
- Weight: 255 gr
On Cloudventure Peak 3
The On Cloudventure Peak 3 is a lightweight, high-performance racing model that will provide a secure, comfortable and stable fit for all runner profiles for demanding training and short, intense competitions. It is a versatile and sustainable model specially designed for your most intense training sessions and competition days, of course, for short distances. With its Speedboard made of 30% carbon and injected TPU, this model strikes the perfect balance between agility and stability on uneven terrain.
- Surface: Trail
- Technology: Carbon plate
- Use: Training, Racing
- Cushion: Soft, Neutral
- Running gait: Neutral
- Drop: 4 mm
- Pace: Medium, High
- Weight: 230 gr
Scott Ultra Carbon RC
The Scott Ultra Carbon RC is a pioneer trail running shoe within the Swiss brand because it is the first model to include the carbon fibre plate in the midsole. The result is none other than the best performance and the highest speed in each of your ultratrail competitions. But the Ultra Carbon RC is not only carbon fibre, because it also stands out for providing superior traction and for its exclusive ER2 rocker technology for greater running efficiency. Designed to bring out your best in all types of mountain distances, from marathon to ultras. Preferably for runners with a light build, neutral gait, and who are looking to finish in the leading positions in every mountain race.
- Surface: Trail
- Technology: Carbon plate
- Use: Racing
- Running gait: Neutral
- Drop: 5 mm
- Pace: High
- Weight: 300H/270M
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