If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Footwear News may receive an affiliate commission.
When elite runners strive to set a new personal record on race day, they inevitably turn to a particular category of sneakers: The best carbon-plate running shoes.
These top super shoes, which are defined by a supercritical foam midsole and a carbon-fiber plate, revolutionized the running sneaker market about a decade ago. In 2019, they took off after Eliud Kipchoge, wearing the Nike Air Zoom Alphafly Next% carbon-plate running shoes, became the first person to run a marathon distance in less than two hours.
Although carbon-fiber plate running shoes were designed for elite athletes, you don’t have to be in the front of the pack to wear them. Major footwear brands, such as Nike, Adidas, Hoka and New Balance, have created their own super shoes to help improve the performance of both top-tier runners and those at the back of the pack on race day.
“We’re innovating at a quick pace, and that is because of the elite athlete. They’re driving the rapid pace of innovation,” Kevin Fitzpatrick, global vice president of running at New Balance told FN for its March 2024 article on super shoes. “But super shoe innovation is starting to go to much broader audiences. The audience is huge. It’s much bigger than we all expected, so we’re learning.”
Watch on FN
This democratization of these super shoes give any runner access to the benefits of carbon-plated running shoes: Primarily, helping to improve running economy, meaning the sneakers help you run more efficiently while expending less energy. On top of this, super shoes have the plush, comfortable feel of a great cushioned running shoe, delivering a responsive, propulsive feel underfoot.
“Cushioning and energy return are critical to [helping] to break world records, but they’re universally applicable,” said Nike senior footwear director Bret Schoolmeester. “Anybody can benefit from having energy return put back into their stride.”
Because of the specialized materials incorporated into these super shoes, carbon-plate running shoes typically cost anywhere between $200 and $300. To help you make the right choice before investing in a pair of carbon-plated running shoes, we’ve rounded up the best super shoes on the market.
Weight: 188 g
Drop: 4mm
Special features: PEBA foam, rocker profile, available in multiple widths
Zappos Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
New Balance Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.7/5 stars
What testers say: “I just raced a half marathon in these and had one of my best days ever. The shoes felt like a seamless extension of my body. Light, fast, comfortable. I ran a marathon last year in a pair of the Elite v3, and while they were fine, these felt exponentially better to me. Love them.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $250
Drop: 8mm
Special features: DNA Flash v2 midsole foam, breathable upper, 3D-printed SpeedVault Race Plate
Zappos Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Brooks Top Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.0/5 stars
What testers say: “These are very light and fast, a major change from the version three. The fit is comfortable, with the carbon-plate working overtime to save the legs. I bought these for a marathon but will instead use them for half marathons and 10Ks given I would need more support underfoot for a full marathon.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $250.00
Drop: 7mm
Special features: Two layers of PEBA foam, winged carbon-plate, gusseted tongue
Hoka Top Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
What testers say: “For long runs, I like shoes with a lot of cushioning for comfort and protection but I also want them to be lightweight with good bounce and propulsion. There are some very good shoes for such purposes out there, but stability can sometimes be an issue. The Cielo X1 is a super bouncy, propulsive, and comfortable road running shoe that is also quite stable to make each long run a very enjoyable ride.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $275.00
Drop: 8mm
Special features: Zoomx foam, waffle outsole for traction, wide toe box
Nike Top Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.6/5 stars
What testers say: “I got these to run a half-marathon, used them on a few practice runs, and thanks to them I was able to improve my time and had no blisters the next day. They are extremely comfortable and light. My only issue is that the sole wears out rather quickly right under my heel.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $260.00
Drop: 6mm
Special features: Energyrods, Lightstrike Pro cushioning, upper created with 50% recycled materials
Adidas Top Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.6/5 stars
What testers say: “My third pair of Adios Pro 3! Used them for four marathons and numerous training runs of 15 miles plus. Never have any issues with my feet at all. Once you get the laces sorted, they’re the best shoes ever! I also have two pairs of Vaporfly 2s that are good but, in my opinion, not as comfortable, fast, or forgiving as the Adios Pro 3.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $250.00
Drop: 8mm
Special features: Pwrrun HG foam cushioning, slotted carbon-plate
Saucony Top Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.6/5 stars
What testers say: “I got these shoes to run my first marathon. They did really well on a hilly course and really helped get through the first 20 miles smoothly. The last bit being rough wasn’t the shoes fault at all. My goal for the day was to run a 2:45:00 and these shoes pushed me out to a 2:33:07 finish. The energy return really made a faster pace feel much more comfortable for a while and was something I haven’t gotten in any other Saucony shoe I’ve worn (and I have ran exclusively in Saucony for 9 years now).”
Price upon publish date of this article: $275.00
Drop: 8mm
Special features: Air Zoom units, ZoomX foam midsole, 15% lighter than previous Alphafly models
Dicks Sporting Goods Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.6/5 stars
Nike Top Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.6/5 stars
While keeping key elements of the Alphafly series, this third iteration is now 15 percent lighter than previous models. The Alphafly 3 sneakers are highly responsive with Air Zoom units that increase energy return without added weight, plus a Zoomx foam midsole for comfort on race day. A full-length carbon-fiber plate propels you forward with each stride, also ensuring smooth transitions. The Alphafly 3 shoes also improve on previous versions of the super shoes with a last that expands around the midfoot for more comfort around the arch.
Price upon publish date of this article: $285
Drop: 5mm
Special features: Gusseted tongue, abrasion-resistant rubber soles, early stage meta-rocker design
Hoka Top Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
What testers say: “On the run, the rebound is great. I never felt like I was digging out of the midsole, which is sometimes the case as a larger runner. My first run in these I took them for a 10-mile interval workout. The easy paces were bouncy and fun and I didn’t notice any instability at easy paces. I’m a midfoot striker but I usually like to heel strike for a bit in a new shoe to see how it feels, as I do start to heel strike at the end of longer runs, and the instability went up just a tiny bit, but not a deal breaker. Now the kilometer intervals at threshold pace is where I was really impressed. This shoe really disappears on your foot when running at faster paces and the plate isn’t as aggressive as the Alphafly 1.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $250.00
Drop: 9mm
Special features: Nitrofoam midsole, Pumagrip high-traction rubber outsole
Puma Top Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.6/5 stars
What testers say: “Extremely comfortable, plush footbed. Hands down one of the softest landings you will ever have. You don’t really notice the carbon-plate flexing until you are at a fast jog/ running pace. Really propels you forward but in a natural way. Definitely a narrow shoe but stretches slightly with your first three to four runs. At first my big toes were forced inward at a slight angle due to the last on the outside of the shoe. As you run more it gradually stretches. Give them four runs and they just mold naturally to your individual foot shape. The collar around your heel isn’t tight at all.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $260.00
Drop: 9mm
Special features: Speed lacing system, Pebax foam, microfiber materials absorb moisture
On Top Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.6/5 stars
Price upon publish date of this article: $289.99
Captured with the Leica Q3 Camera.
Drop: 8mm
Special features: Resilient TPE sockliner, Flow technology rather than a rubber outsole
Under Armour Top Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.6/5 stars
What testers say: “Amazing race shoe! This shoe really rolls you forward to a powerful toe off. It makes you feel so quick and smooth. And the cushion saves your legs. This is a go to race shoe for any road race get this shoe if you want to feel fast and run fast.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $250.00
Drop: 2mm
Special features: Lightweight heel counter, triple shoelace loop, breathable upper
Amazon Top Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.6/5 stars
Zappos Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Mizuno Top Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.6/5 stars
What testers say: “This is a great pair of running shoes made for speed gains. They feel like a feather on your feet. They definitely are not made for everyday wear as the curved shape makes it almost impossible for your heel to hit the ground. They are made for running and speed. They hit exactly at the midsole with enough spring in the sole to bounce you forward. It isn’t awkward, nor is there a learning curve as a runner is going to land midsole and forward as they are pacing. The upper is a tough, but soft mesh with a barely there feel.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $170
Captured with the Leica Q3 Camera.
Drop: 8mm
Special features: FF Blast Turbo cushioning, upper created with 50% recycled materials, curved sole
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Asics Top Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.0/5 stars
What testers say: “First pair of carbon-plated shoes. I used them for my half marathon, and they were comfortable throughout. No hot or achy spots. I really like the wider toe box on these. They are also a very lightweight so throughout my half marathon, I felt speedy in these. It was hard for me to decide whether I was more of a cadence vs stride runner, so I just went with the Edge+ according to my Coros data. Overall, these are a fun pair of shoes, and I can’t wait to use them in future races!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $250.00
Drop: 7mm
Special features: Strung upper creates a locked-in feel; Lightstrike Pro foam, two carbon-fiber plates
Adidas Top Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.6/5 stars
What testers say: “These shoes are meticulously designed to be feather-light. Adizero Prime X 2 propels you forward. The innovative strung upper construction wraps around your foot like a second skin. The outsole features strategically placed traction patterns. In summary, these running shoes are a harmonious blend of speed, comfort, and aesthetics — a true companion for runners who demand excellence.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $300.00
Captured with the Leica Q3 Camera.
Drop: 9mm
Special features: Superlight foam, textile upper
Salomon Top Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.6/5 stars
What testers say: “The upper is very comfortable where your foot blends in with it. The tongue is brilliant, love the padding in the center and how minimal it is elsewhere. Traction and grip are second to none on dry or wet surfaces and makes track work that much more enjoyable. The ride is ultra smooth and effortless as it turns over incredibly easy. From warming up to the mid four minute mile range it’s a blast to run in. Note: I have an average foot and went down half size.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $250.00
Drop: 4mm
Special features: Mono mesh upper, removable Arch Fit insole, Goodyear Rubber outsole
Skechers Top Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.3/5 stars
Price upon publish date of this article: $185.00
Drop: 6mm
Special features: Pebax foam, anatomical toe box, breathable hyperweave upper
Top Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.0/5 stars
What testers say: “The TYR Men’s Valkyrie Elite Carbon Runner is a great shoe. The metal plate sandwiched between foam pads in the soles makes it both very comfortable, stable and surprisingly light. However, shoe sizes do appear to run US 1/2 size small.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $250
What Is a Super Shoe?
Super shoes, for the uninitiated, are often broken down simply by their main components: supercritical midsole foam and a carbon-fiber plate.
Though these components are standard, how they work together is complex.
“To simplify it and say, ‘You need a plate and supercritical foam,’ feels like people are copying the playbook of the first one and settling there,” said Nike senior footwear director Bret Schoolmeester.
In the early days of the super shoe, which are running shoes engineered to improve performance, Schoolmeester said the company’s PhD-level experts would engage in heated debates over millimeter changes to deliver the most benefit.
“We uncovered ZoomX foam [for the Vaporfly 4%], which had high energy return and was lightweight. And the geometry of our plate, it had a scoop like a ladle when you looked at it laterally,” he said. “It had to have that scoop, but it made the shoe high. Without the lightweight nature of ZoomX, that shoe would have been heavy and those benefits would have offset.”
These types of discussions around the perfect recipe for super shoes still happen today, both inside Nike and in the offices of its competitors.
At Hoka, for instance, senior director of performance footwear Bekah Broe said its super shoes all include three technologies that combine to create a unique experience.
“We call it the heart of Hoka,” Broe said. “It’s some sort of midsole cushioning system and our Active FootFrame technology, which is what embeds the foot in the shoe and provides control. And then we have the Metarocker technology, which provides our signature transition.”
For regular marathoners, super shoes are a necessary tool. Bimma Williams, a marketing consultant who is well known in the sneaker world, said he trained for his last marathon in the Nike Zoom Invincible 3 for his long runs and the Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 for speed days. However, when it came to race day, those wouldn’t cut it.
“On race day, I want a chunk of cushion under my feet and a carbon plate and nothing else,” Williams said. “Two years ago, I ran a half marathon in the Nike [Vaporfly] Next% and PRd [personal record] by 2 minutes. There is genuinely an energy return in these super shoes that I hadn’t experienced before. I’d say it’s essential if you want to run faster.”
Ana Mejía, an avid runner who runs with the New York City-based run crew We Run Uptown, said super shoes not only helped improve her performance greatly, they also solved a discomfort problem she experienced during a previous marathon.
“In 2019, I had runners knees after my first marathon. I took about a two month hiatus from running and concluded that longer distance will require extra cushion to reduce the impact on my knees,” she said. “My second cycle of marathon training was 2022 for Berlin and Chicago. With a little over two weeks apart from one another, I doubted how I would be able to perform after my first experience. Fast forward to race day, the Nike Air Alphafly Next% 2 saved me from runners knee and I was not only able to complete Chicago, but I also obtained a personal record. I cut 3 minutes off from Berlin, making it my fastest marathon yet.”
How Long Do Carbon-Plate Super Shoes Last?
It’s well known that training shoes are good for 300-500 miles before they need to be replaced. However, when it comes to super shoes, because some people also use these race day looks during training, how long they last is unclear to industry insiders.
“I was under the impression that it was around 200 [miles], but newer and fresher is better [for race day],” said Dan Fitzgerald, co-owner of Heartbreak Hill Running Co. in Boston and Chicago. “There are also anecdotal stories of people pushing mileage limits past 400 and 500. I’m not sure those people are using them for racing performance though.”
Although insiders are uncertain how long super shoes last, Fitzgerald revealed the advice he offers shoppers at Heartbreak Hill Running Co.
“My advice to consumers is always make sure they work on a semi-long run and keep them fresh and save them for races,” he said.
How We Selected the Best Super Shoes
For more than 75 years, Footwear News has been the shoe authority. Our coverage spans top industry news, retail trends, head-to-toe fashion, athletic and outdoor analysis, and more. FN’s global network of editors has carefully curated all product selections featured using our expansive brand knowledge and thorough research to find quality, long-lasting items.
To select the best carbon-plated running shoes on the market, one FN editor interviewed 16 industry experts, including industry insiders, running coaches, and footwear store owners. Using this expert input, we canvassed the market to find the leading super shoe models from brands like Nike, Hoka, and Brooks Running, factoring in different needs: Our list of the best carbon-plate running shoes includes options for mid- to long-distance races, as well as super shoes that cater to different foot types and running styles. Learn more about us here.
Meet the Experts
Bekah Broe is the senior director of performance footwear at Hoka with over a decade of experience in the performance running industry.
Dan Fitzgerald is the co-founder of Heartbreak Hill Running Company, one of the most dynamic, influential, and respected running brands in the world. He’s also the founding coach of the Heartbreakers, a USATF-certified club, and a Nike Running Coach.
Kevin Fitzpatrick is the global vice president of running at New Balance with over 15 years experience in the areas of athletic footwear, apparel, equipment and sports licensing.
Bret Schoolmeester is Nike’s senior footwear director, who’s been involved in developing the brand’s key franchises, including the Alphafly super shoes.
Meet the Authors
Peter Verry is the Senior News and Features Editor for Athletic and Outdoor at Footwear News. He oversees coverage of the two fast-paced and ultracompetitive markets, which includes conducting in-depth interviews with industry leaders and writing stories on sneakers and outdoor shoes. He is a lifelong sneaker addict (and shares his newest purchases via @peterverry on Instagram) and spends most of his free time on a trail. He holds an M.A. in journalism from Hofstra University and can be reached at peter.verry@footwearnews.com.
Claire Sullivan is the Senior Beauty and Lifestyle Commerce Editor for WWD and Footwear News. She has over six years of experience as a writer and editor for national media outlets including Martha Stewart Living, Martha Stewart Weddings, InStyle, and Byrdie. She keeps her finger on the pulse of all things related to beauty and wellness, regularly digging into foot-related topics like the best carbon-plated running shoes from leading footwear brands.
