Unlacing the Hype: Carbon-Plated Shoes in Running

In recent years, the world of running has experienced a boom in the carbon-plated shoe market, with increased popularity among professional and recreational runners alike.  As a country that loves the free market and competition, it’s a great step forward (no pun intended) but the quantity of high-performance plated shoes can be confusing. We’re here to break it down for you.

All plated shoes are designed to enhance running efficiency, speed, and ultimately, performance. They are engineered with a specialized plate embedded within the midsole. The plate is strategically positioned to provide additional stiffness and propulsion during the gait cycle, primarily during the toe-off phase. This design aims to reduce energy loss and enhance running economy, thereby allowing runners to maintain faster paces for longer durations.

There are three main categories of plated shoes: Carbon-fiber racing shoes, carbon-fiber training shoes, and non-carbon plated shoes.

Carbon-fiber racing shoes

Carbon-plated racing shoes are built for speed and optimal performance during races. They prioritize lightweight construction and are designed to be minimalistic. The emphasis is on maximizing energy return and running efficiency to help runners achieve their fastest times. However, due to their minimalist design, they might lack the durability and support needed for everyday training.

• HOKA Rocket X 2
• HOKA Carbon X 3
• New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v3
• On Cloudboom Echo 3
• Altra Vanish Carbon
• Saucony Endorphin Pro 3
  

Carbon-fiber training shoes

Carbon-plated training shoes, on the other hand, prioritize durability and cushioning to withstand the wear and tear of regular training sessions. They are intended for daily training, longer runs, and recovery runs. While they may feature a carbon plate for added energy return, it's often combined with additional cushioning materials to reduce the impact on joints during high-mileage training.

• New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trainer v2
• Saucony Kinvara Pro

Non-carbon plated shoes

Running shoes with non-carbon plates are designed to offer similar benefits to carbon-plated shoes, but they use alternative materials for the plate. While carbon-fiber plates have become the most popular choice due to their unique properties, non-fiber plates can also provide runners with increased performance and efficiency. Some common materials used for non-fiber plates include nylon, TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane), and Pebax (thermoplastic elastomer). Running shoes with non-fiber plates often come at a lower price point compared to carbon-plated shoes, making them more accessible to a broader range of runners.

• Mizuno Wave Rebellion Flash
• Saucony Endorphin Speed
• HOKA Mach X

Plated shoes have undoubtedly disrupted the running world and pushed the boundaries of human performance. As technology continues to evolve, we can expect more innovative advancements in footwear design.

It is essential for runners to remember that while carbon-plated shoes may provide a temporary boost, long-term progress comes from consistent training, smart coaching, and an understanding of one's body and limits. Ultimately, the sport of running remains a testament to human capability, determination, and perseverance—regardless of the shoes on our feet. So, let's lace up, hit the trails, and remember the true joy of running lies not solely in our gear, but in ourselves as well.