We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.
The best carbon plate running shoes for your next PB attempt
Turn your toe-offs into lift-offs with the best super shoes from Nike, Adidas and more
Tested by Ali Ball and Jenny Bozon
Want more tried and tested recommendations from the RW editors? Sign up to our weekly newsletter Kit Bag. Click here to subscribe.
Carbon plate shoes have runners, from the amateur to the elite, hooked. And this speed-focussed technology has been going from strength to strength over the past 12 months, with some rather exciting releases from the likes of Hoka, Saucony, Nike, Adidas and more.
Born out of the Lunar Nike Running Shoes nike air max tavas all black size 14 shoes running shoe brand, pushing new heights year on year when it comes to energy return, cushioning and ultra-lightweight uppers.
We've clocked up hundreds of miles in a pretty much every carbon racer going to bring you our curated list of the best. Shop them here, at a glance, or keep scrolling to read our full reviews.
How does a carbon plate running shoe work?
Generally speaking, carbon plate shoes contain a combination of high-energy return foam (e.g. PEBA) and, as the name suggests, a carbon fibre plate. PEBA is a highly resilient, super-light foam that returns a significant proportion of energy, giving a bouncing feeling as someone runs. The plate also has a spring function, which is thought to work in conjunction with the foam to provide propulsion.
However, not all carbon plate shoes are created equal and they certainly don't all perform the same. Not only is there the type of foam to consider (PEBA vs EVA, for example), there’s also the choice of ½ length vs full-length carbon plates to weigh up, as well as different types of upper materials, stack heights and overall rides.
When should you use carbon plate running shoes?
Given that carbon plate shoes are ultimately designed for racing, our recommendations below are based upon use at pace. Why is pace important? When you run fast (whatever fast may be to you), you run with greater efficiency and these shoes are built to enhance that efficiency, so that's when you get the most benefit from them.
You might be able to get away with wearing some carbon plate shoes at gentler paces, but bear in mind they can feel quite stiff and unstable when you're just cruising along. Not to mention, carbon shoes all sit around the 40mm stack height (the max height for a shoe stack as set by World Athletics), which is a lot of foam/shoe. This means that if you're a minimal shoe wearer or just someone who likes to 'feel' the ground when running, these might not be for you, as there is a certain amount of disconnect that takes place with any larger shoe. This is not to say that you'll be stomping around unable to feel your feet on the ground, but there is a degree of instability that comes with a larger shoe.
nike kobe 7 red white blue popsicle
Carbon plate running shoes aren’t just reserved for elite marathoners anymore — but that doesn’t mean every model is right for every runner. Here’s what to consider when choosing a pair:
Know your goal
Are you chasing a 5K PB or aiming to cruise through a marathon? Some carbon plate shoes are designed for short, punchy efforts (think: responsive and firm), while others are geared towards providing cushioning and efficiency over longer distances. Check what a shoe is designed for before you buy.
Consider your experience level
Carbon shoes can feel unstable underfoot if you're not used to them. If it’s your first time running in a pair, look for models with a wider base (e.g. the Nike Alphafly 3) or a slightly lower stack height to ease the transition. If you’re not sure you’re ready to commit, you could consider a super trainer as an alternative. These share many of the same qualities as super shoes built for race day, but have beefier constructions that makes them more suitable for daily mileage.
Think about your gait
Not every carbon shoe will suit all types of runners, so it’s worth knowing and considering your foot strike (heel striker/midfoot striker/forefoot striker) when choosing a pair. Some shoes will have features that make them more accommodating for a range of foot strikes (the Nike Alphafly 3 and Asics Metaspeed Edge Tokyo, for example, both have rounded heel bevels with firmer foam centred in this area which provides stability to heel strikers), while others will have more aggressive forefoot rockers that lean them towards runners who land further forwards.
Don't overlook comfort
Speed is important, but so is how a shoe feels over 10, 21 or 42km. The best carbon shoe for you is one you can actually enjoy running in – not just endure.
nike zoom air low delta force nike price list carbon plate running shoes
The RW team have decades of experience testing running shoes, spanning every brand and type you can think of (and probably a few you never realised existed). We put the latest race shoes through their paces over a wide range of distances, but focused primarily on the marathon. We assessed the shoes for their fit, feel, cushioning, responsiveness, comfort, grip, breathability and overall performance, pouring over our feedback to select the best models to include below.
The best carbon plate running shoes for 2025, tested and reviewed
nike mercurial vapor black electric green river | Nike Alphafly 3
Pros
- Super responsive
- More structured and stable underfoot than previous version
- Flawless lockdown
- More cushioned than before
Cons
- Still slightly noisy
Read our full Nike Alphafly 3 review
Perhaps the most revered shoe on our list, this is the one if you have PB-levels of expectation from your shoes. After all, these are the ones the late Kiptum wore when he set the men’s marathon world record at the Chicago Marathon in 2023.
The Alphafly 3 is a shoe that wants to go fast and show you what it’s capable of. You can really feel that propulsion and responsiveness coming from Nike’s ZoomAir pods in the forefoot, and the ride is punchy, light and, well, an absolute joy. Compared with the previous iteration, the ride feels slightly more aggressive, with more of a tippy sensation on each step. However, this just adds to the overall liveliness and enjoyment of the ride.
The challenge with the new breed of shoes with seriously stacked soles (this sneaks under the World Athletics 40mm limit for sole thickness) is that they’re a bit unstable, especially when turning corners. But, for the latest iteration, Nike has used a continuous outsole for increased stability and an all-new last (shoe mould), fleshed out around the midfoot. These changes make the shoe a lot more comfortable than the Alphafly 2, reducing rubbing through the midfoot and on the Achilles, and give you confidence rounding corners. They also makes the Alphafly a good choice for a variety of different runners, whether you land on your heel, midfoot or toes.
| Weight | 218g (M), 174g (W) |
|---|---|
| Stack height | 40mm (heel), 32mm (forefoot) |
| Heel-to-toe drop | 8mm |
Pros
- True to size
- Incredibly responsive
- Highly breathable
- Fantastic traction
Cons
- nike shox current white pink black dress flowers
youth nike air huarache low price
Puma’s Fast-R Nitro Elite 3 is a serious contender in the carbon plate super shoe category – and this time, it’s backed by science. Tested by the University of Massachusetts, the shoe was shown to improve running economy by 3.15% over its predecessor and by over 3.5% compared to rivals like the Nike Alphafly 3 and Adidas Adios Pro Evo 1 – potentially saving more than four minutes for a three-hour marathoner.
Lighter than ever at just 170g (UK 8), it sheds nearly 100g from the previous model, with updates including a refined decoupled midsole, sleeker design and a more enclosed full-length carbon plate. The springy NITROFOAM ELITE cushioning and PUMAGRIP outsole deliver snappy propulsion and confident grip across long distances.
In testing, the shoe proved surprisingly versatile – excelling at marathon pace and feeling forgiving over longer runs, with no pressure points or form breakdown. While it suits efficient heel-to-toe striders, runners with a quicker cadence may also find it more accessible than past versions.
With elite-level stats and real-world comfort, the Fast-R Nitro Elite 3 is one of the most compelling marathon super shoes to date. If you’re chasing a PB, this lightweight rocket is well worth lacing up.
| Weight | 170g (UK 8) |
|---|---|
| Stack height | 40mm (heel), 32mm (forefoot) |
| Heel-to-toe drop | 8mm |
Pros
- Lightstrike foam is well cushioned
- Super responsive
- Aggressive forefoot rocker
- New upper is a big improvement
Cons
Read our full Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 review
If major races won is a barometer of how good a shoe is, since it first launched in 2020, Adidas’ Adios Pro range has consistently dominated the podiums, featuring on the feet of more World Marathon Major winning athletes than any other brand. And with fresh, speed-focused design features, the Adios Pro 4 isn’t holding back on its PB-potential either.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, Adidas have taken inspiration from their lightest-ever (and most expensive) racing shoe, the Adios Pro Evo 1, for the design of the Pro 4. The forefoot rocker – the point at which the sole curves upward underneath the toes or forefoot – is placed at 60% of the length of the shoe. This is to trigger forward momentum and improve running economy. (Previously, on the Pro 3, the rocker was placed at 67%.) The rocker profile is coupled with Adidas' carbon EnergyRods, embedded within a LightStrike Pro midsole.
Another key update to the Pro 4 is the upper – a contention point for some on the Pro 3 when it came to comfort. The engineered mesh has been replaced with a soft and light woven material, known as ‘LightLock’. This is paired with internal locking bands all around the side walls to the heel, for a supportive and snug fit when running at speed.
Our tester reported that the shoes required little break in, moulding to their feet from the very first run. Over a hard effort marathon, the high energy return things feel that bit more manageable too, with the prominent forefront rocker giving our tester a a much-appreciated boost on uphill sections.
| Weight | 172g (size UK 5.5) |
|---|---|
| Stack height | 37mm (heel), 32mm (forefoot) |
| Drop | 5mm |
Pros
- Extremely responsive
- Very lightweight
- nike lunar air force 1 white on white house paint
Cons
- nike huarache light white and blue color scheme
- Size runs slightly small
Read our full Asics Metaspeed Tokyo reviews
The Metaspeed Sky and Edge Tokyo are the successors to Asics' highly successful Paris models, which have featured on the podiums of a number of major road marathons over the past 12 months. The unusual two-shoe approach splits runners into what Asics calls ‘stride runners’ (those that increase their stride length as they speed up) and ‘cadence runners’ (those who increase their step rate as they speed up). However, we’ve personally found an easier way to differentiate between the two – certainly for the Tokyo models – is that the Sky seems to suit runners with a predisposition to land on their forefoot or midfoot, while the Edge provides more stability for heel strikers.
The shoes feature an updated midsole, made from a combination of FF Blast Turbo and brand-new FF Leap foam. The configuration of the foams is slightly different in the two shoes to cater for the running styles that they’re designed for – as is the positioning and curve of the carbon-fibre plate. However, the same is true of both shoes: this is an impossibly lightweight, bouncy super shoe with a wonderfully responsive ride. At quicker paces, the shoes truly come alive and you get a real sense of propulsion – even more so than their predecessors.
If we're getting into the nitty gritty, though, we'd describe the Edge's Ride as one that smoothly transitions you onto your forefoot for a bouncy, trampoline-like toe-off. Heel stability is also greater in the Edge thanks to the firmer foam being below the softer FF Leap foam. The Sky's ride is slightly more aggressive and really pushes you up onto the forefoot for a propulsive toe-off.
Whichever one suits you best, though, these are two of the very best super shoes you can find right now.
| Weight | 170g |
|---|---|
| Stack height | 39.5mm (heel), 34.5mm (forefoot) |
| Drop | 5mm |
Pros
- Lighter, more nimble ride than v5
- Padded heel counter prevents irritation
- Responsive midsole
Cons
- nike sb brazil dunks
Read our full New Balance SC Elite v5 review
New Balance has made bold updates to its flagship racer in the SuperComp Elite v5. It’s lighter, firmer and more streamlined than the v4 — a shift that makes it feel slightly less ‘friendly’ for all types of runners. The midsole uses PEBA-based FuelCell foam for a responsive ride, now paired with a stiffer carbon plate and a reduced forefoot stack (-4mm) that delivers a more aggressive toe-off. The result is a shoe that excels at race pace, particularly over longer distances.
The fit has also been improved: the upper is more secure and breathable, and the heel is more padded to counteract the Achilles irritation many experienced with the v4. Testers found it grips well on roads and light rain, with good traction from the rubber outsole. However, the leaner platform and snappier feel may not suit everyone — particularly runners who preferred the softer, more cushioned ride of the v4, or those who need more width underfoot
| Weight | 187g (UK 8.5) |
|---|---|
| Stack height | 40mm (heel), 32mm (forefoot) |
| Drop | 8mm |
Pros
- nike air jordans leopard 13s black pink dress
- nike lebron xiii boys toddler shoes wide
- More accommodating fit
Cons
- You’re seeking more comfort and late-miles protection
- sale nike air max 1 grey denim
Read our full Nike Vaporfly 4 review
In February, Nike announced the newest iteration of the shoe that started it all, the original ‘super shoe’. And, well, forget almost everything you know about the OG marathon racer. The Vaporfly 4 is still super, but not for the reasons you might expect.
First up, it’s apparently being subtly nudged to shorter distances, with a firmer and snappier ride. In testing, we found the shoe to be exceptionally fast for interval workouts and even during marathon-pace runs. But, as our workouts stretched out to 15 or 16 miles (including warm up and cool down), we started to wish that we had reached for the Alphafly instead.
Nike has also lowered the heel-to-toe offset to 6mm (down from 8mm), by reducing the total stack height — now 35mm thick. At slower speeds, like when jogging a warm-up, the heel still feels fairly soft. Once you get rolling at race speeds, however, you become more certain of the difference in ride.
Along with the change to foam geometry comes the first change to the plate shape. Nike says the FlyPlate’s curvature is 3 degrees steeper, ‘which helps unlock leverage from the foot and ankle.’
Given all the changes, this shoe is really going to excel for competitive runners at a wide range of distances, but particularly for everything from a 5K on up to a half marathon. If you’re seeking more comfort and late-miles protection for three to four hours of hard running, you’re better served putting those miles into the Alphafly 3.
| Weight | 170g (UK 7.5) |
|---|---|
| Stack height | 35 mm (heel), 29 mm (forefoot) |
| Drop | 6mm |
Pros
- nike zoom women gray sneakers shoes black heels
- ebay nike shox kids foot locker coupons discounts
- Great lockdown
- No break-in period required
Cons
- One of the pricest super shoes going
- Can feel quite unstable
- Not suitable for heel strikers
Read our full Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 review
The Endorphin Elite 2 sits right at the top of Saucony’s food chain, just above the slightly heavier Endorphin Pro 4. As the ‘elite’ signals, this is the pair you pull out with the intention of maxing your performance on race day.
nike mercurial vapor black electric green river, but it’s got all the bells and whistles that Saucony could throw at it, including a new super foam and a fancy new, barely-there upper made from TPE yarn. When it comes to the fit, the toe box tapers quite dramatically, with very little wiggle room. While, to an extent, this is what you'd expect from a race day shoe, going up half a size could be beneficial. There’s no heel counter – something that will likely be welcomed by runners with heel sensitivities – but there is a bit of sideways wobble, due in part to the shoe’s high stack height, which makes cornering at speed a bit of a challenge.
In terms of the ride, this is a shoe like no other. The new midsole is surprisingly squidgy and bouncy while retaining a great level of responsiveness that makes you just want to just run, and run, and run. The Speedroll technology – a consistent feature throughout Saucony’s Endorphin line, including the original Elite – is pretty aggressive and really does roll you through your stride, too.
Here’s the catch, though: this is probably one of the most unstable super shoes we've tested and definitely isn’t one that will suit every runner – particularly heel strikers. Whether or not it’s for you will boil down to whether you can handle that squishy softness and if your ankles are strong enough to handle that instability. Oh, and that small matter of the £280 price tag.
| Weight | 199g |
|---|---|
| Stack height | 39.5mm (heel), 31.5mm (forefoot) |
| Drop | 8mm |
Pros
- Wonderfully responsive
- Supportive, locked-in fit
- 36nike sequin shoes for men
Cons
- May be too aggressive for some
- Grip could be better
Read our full Hoka Cielo X1 2.0 review
Shop - unisex
Ignore the quirky kaleidoscopic colourways, this is a serious super shoe. Featuring an aggressive rocker geometry, dual-density PEBA midsole and full-length winged carbon plate, it’s also 36g lighter than the 1.0, putting it on a par with other top racers. The two layers of PEBA create a wonderfully responsive ride – a snappy sensation, supported by the MetaRocker which drives you forward. The winged plate aids stability and propulsion and with the pumped-up midsole you barely notice ground impact forces. Testers described the feel as ‘like bouncing on a space hopper’ and ‘gliding, if not flying’ at faster paces.
The Active Foot Frame cradles the foot for a supportive locked-in feel; a stretchy, gusseted tongue wraps soft-but-secure around the top of the foot; and the cushioned collar aids stability and comfort there, too.
A couple of flags: testers reported some issues with outsole grip on smooth, wet paving slabs and that the X1 2.0 didn’t feel great at slower paces. But then it isn’t meant for slow days and in the right situations – race or speed sessions in dry conditions – it could be well worth the significant investment.
| Weight | 228g |
|---|---|
| Stack height | 39mm (heel), 32mm (forefoot) |
| Drop | 7mm |
Pros
- Lightweight and bouncy
- Comfortable, secure upper
- Fun ride
- Handles a variety of paces
Cons
- nike roshe run premium blue book
- You prefer a softer ride
- A little noisy
Read our full On Cloudboom Strike review
The Cloudboom Strike is On’s latest super shoe and the superior option over the Cloudboom Echo 3. In fact, the shoes are very different, with the Strike feeling considerably softer than the Echo 3, which felt stiff and lacked cushioning. This is down to a new removable Bounceboard – an On innovation made of Helion hyperfoam. A bit like a supercharged insole, this Bounceboard strikes a brilliant balance between plushness and efficiency, which pushes you forward powerfully but pleasantly while running in them at greater efforts. For me, the midsole felt firm enough to be snappy and rapid,
A thin upper with a minimal tongue provides breathability, with just the right amount of structure. The heel counter consists of just two cushioned patches, though, which some testers found caused irritation.
Lightweight and responsive with a pronounced rocker geometry, one tester described the Cloudboom Strike as 'like a coiled spring that fires into action on the roads'.
| Weight | 188g (UK 8.5) |
|---|---|
| Stack height | 39.5mm (heel), 35.5mm (forefoot) |
| Drop | 4mm |
Ali is Runner’s World UK's e-commerce editor, specialising in testing and reviewing the latest running shoes, gear and tech, as well as finding the best deals during sales events such as Amazon Prime Day and Black Friday. She has tested hundreds of products from the biggest running brands, including Nike, New Balance, Adidas, Hoka and more. Ali speaks to some of the world’s top experts across footwear, running apparel, fitness equipment and nutrition to help runners make smart decisions when shopping online, from glucose monitors to help you nail your fuelling strategy to compression boots to aid your recovery. Ali has worked in health and fitness journalism since 2017. Before joining Runner’s World, she was health editor at Future Plc, working across brands including Coach, Fit&Well, T3, TechRadar and Live Science. A Boston qualifier, she’s completed 12 marathons, including four of the World Marathon Majors (only Tokyo and Boston left). Her proudest achievement to date? Running a five-day 220km ultramarathon across Tanzania. Just don’t ask her to race a 10km…
Jen is Membership Director at Runner’s World, overseeing RW’s new membership programme, set to launch later this year. She has been with the brand for close to three years now – previously working as deputy digital editor, where she covered all manner of running topics, spanning training, health, injury, nutrition and gear. Over the years, she’s interviewed an abundance of awe-inspiring athletes, from top-tier ultrarunners and Olympic champions to everyday runners who have accomplished extraordinary things. Jen has been a sports journalist for 10 years; she is the former editor of Women’s Running magazine and has also worked as Sports Editor at Red Bull. She started running a decade ago and likes to dabble in triathlon a little, too. You’ll find she’s happiest plodding down the Thames path or chowing down on a post-run pastry.
nike air max liberty lotus shoes sale
The best Asics running shoes, tested by experts
The New Balance Fresh Foam X 880 v15 gets softer
10 best beginner-friendly running shoes, reviewed
