LOLZLetter 187 | An Updated List of Carbon Plated Shoes
Which ones are wider? Which ones are a waste of money? And more!
Welcome,
Happy Labor Day! Hopefully, you are enjoying this weekend, whatever you may be doing. In preparation for many people gearing up (or in the thick of it) with marathon training, I made an updated list of carbon-plated shoes. This is not every carbon-plated shoe, but a list of more popular versions.
When I started the newsletter in 2019, it seemed like carbon fiber-plated shoes were not common. The list was mostly Nike. Now almost every brand makes a carbon-plated shoe.
First, Do Carbon Plated Shoes Work?
Science has proven that carbon plates work for most people. There are nonresponders but most people will see results. Now how fast they'll make you run depends on you, your form, the course, and a whole other slew of factors. They won't make you in shape when you haven't put the training in.
Carbon plates help stabilize the ankle joint which keeps the toes straight and reduces the load on the calves. This helps you feel less fatigued and paces might feel easier for longer, You don’t have to be an elite to get the benefits of carbon-plated footwear and even new runners can see benefits.
You can find a more in-depth explanation here and here.
So Let's Take a Look at Shoes:
Nike Alphafly 2:
Price: $275
The most expensive road carbon-plated shoe and also the most popular. One of the fastest but dang, it is heavy. The thing that makes the Nike Alphafly different is it has three carbon fiber plates. This is the shoe many elites use.
Cons:
Narrow through the arch
Heavy. Very heavy.
It will alter your form and can upset people's Achilles and hamstrings.
The second version is not "way better," so really, you should find the first version on sale.
ASICS MetaSpeed Sky and Edge
Price: (Both) $250
ASICS hurts itself by not explaining the differences between MetaSpeed Sky and Edge. That's why I made a post. The key difference is: The Sky plate sits higher, which gives you more compression. This is generally better for heel strikers. The Edge has a carbon plate that sits lower and gives you more of a kick forward (better for those who run forefoot). I am typically a fan of the Edge...
Cons:
Asics is narrow. Generally, it's a good idea to go up another half size in both.
If you race a lot downhill, you might find your toenails get ripped up.
Saucony Endorphin Pro 3
Price: $225
The Saucony Endorphin Pro 3 doesn't feel like a carbon-plated shoe. This means if you are someone who wants a carbon fiber plate without feeling the plate, it might be a good option. While it did increase in price this year, it's $25 cheaper than most other big brand options. While the Endorphin Pro 3 does run short, it is wider than most other options.
Cons:
It feels flatter with less bounce
Slightly short
Nike ZoomX Vaporfly NEXT% 2
Price: $250
This is even more popular than the Alphafly despite being maybe a slower shoe. Compared to the Alphafly, the Vaporfly feels "more normal". This is Nike's traditional carbon plated shoe. This is also the most popular shoe for everyday runners and sub-elites and it’s not even close.
Cons: Narrow and can cause arch and Achilles problems
Strains the hamstrings
Heavy.
Altra Vanish Carbon
Price: $230
I was excited and fascinated when Altra came out with their carbon-plated shoe. For the shoe company that emphasizes running naturally, a carbon-plated shoe seemed "weird". The lower stack height and the half carbon plate make it a great option. Plus, true to Altra's form, it is foot-shaped and wider. This makes it one of the most unique carbon plate options if you need a wider shoe and lower stack height.
Cons:
Zero drop and lower stack height, so if that doesn't work for you....this shoe won't work for you.
Half carbon plate versus most brands using full.
New Balance FuelCell RC Elite 2
Price: $230
I don't think the NB Fuelcell RC elite is that great. Ok, I said it! But New Balance doesn't have a lot of professional marathon runners. They have the 5280, specifically designed for racing a road mile, but there isn't an excellent marathon shoe out yet. Now I did not say this shoe was terrible because it's not. The problem is, for the price, there are better options. The positive is that the wide base has more stability than most other racing shoes. Is it a stable shoe? No. But it does have more stability.
Cons:
It's ok, not great
Heavy
Hoka Carbon X3 or Carbon Rocket X:
Price: $180
Hoka makes several carbon-plated shoes, including the Rocket X, Carbon X3, Bondi X, and the Tecton X (for trails). It can be confusing which one is right for you. Hoka also struggles with quantity over quality. While all the carbon-plated shoes are good, they are still not at the world-class competing level. (Rumor is they have something big in the works, as spotted a couple of times on Steph Bruce's foot).
Now the Carbon Rocket X is a lower profile "flat" shoe. If you like racing flats from 2016, this will be one of your closest options while still having a carbon plate. The Carbon X is built for longer distances. Are you doing a road 50k? This might be an option for you. They are also wider than average, another thing to consider if you have a wider foot.
Cons of the Rocket X:
It feels like a racing flat versus a high stack cushy shoe (weird for Hoka, considering that's what they are known for?)
Cons of the Carbon X3:
No blown rubber means a lack of durability or traction on inclement weather days.
Brooks Hyperion Elite 3
Price: $250
The Hyperion Elite 3 has the most stability of any carbon fiber-plated shoe. Is it stable? No. But does it have the most stability? Yes. It is one of the lighter options and if you like to feel the ground more, you'll appreciate this shoe.
Cons:
Less aggressive carbon plate
Less cushion, you feel the ground a lot.
Atreyu Artist:
Cost: $100
Whew, the cheapest carbon fiber plate of them all! $100 for a carbon-plated shoe that lasts about the same as more expensive models. It's definitely got less cushion, and it's just less overall shoe. But since it's around $100 cheaper than many options, it's hard to compare. If you are someone who appreciates old school racing shoes (I'm talking about the original Saucony Kinvara or New Balance 1400) this is a great option. It still has that extra cushion and carbon plate but with a lower stack height.
Cons:
Sloppy fitting upper
No frills. It's a shoe with a carbon fiber plate.
Reebok Floatride Energy X Shoe Review
Cost: $170
Another cheaper carbon-plated shoe. It's also a great option if you are new to the carbon-plated world and want to "see what it's like" without paying $250+. Don't mistake that for being a beginner carbon-plated shoe because it's not. It's one of the faster carbon-plated shoes on the list. It's also one of the more comfortable carbon-plated shoes out there.
Cons:
The carbon plate is less aggressive
361 Flame:
Price: $180
Some call the 361 Flame the Vaporfly knock-off, but I can assure you it is not. The 361 Flame is an excellent—and relatively aggressive carbon-plated shoe for much cheaper. But like the Vaporfly, it has a very stiff heal which can irritate the Achilles and hug the arch.
Cons:
Narrow arch and sharp heel counter
There are so many carbon-plated shoes and this newsletter doesn't include them all. Just because a carbon plated shoe doesn't work for you doesn't make it bad...just not the right fit. Each year I do an updated newsletter on carbon-plated shoes; it keeps growing. I'm sure next year there will be several more to review. I remember in 2019, I was still discussing just the Nike 4%!
What is Keeping Me Entertained?
August Training: Some glimmer of hope?
Like a “Car with Good Gas Mileage,” Healthy Tendons Allow You to Waste Less Energy on the Run
How to Deal with Racing Pain Like a Pro
Thinks I'm Enjoying This Week:
Labor Day Sales!! Who doesn't like good sales?
Tifosi sunglasses are 25% off. Tifosi is one of the highest quality sunglasses and they start at $25. They are more scratch resistant than competitors (which is good for me because I drop them). Anyway they are having a labor day sale and I'm a fan.
With the summer heat, I've been using a lot of Liquid I.V. electrolytes lately.
I'm still enjoying the Brooks Glycerin Stealthfit as a daily trainer. I may end up getting another pair soon.
Thanks for reading! If you enjoy the LOLZLetter, I appreciate you sharing it!
You Can Follow me on: