What makes these shoes “SUPER”?

Carbon Plated Shoes 101

When it comes to racing shoes in 2025 there are two main things that differentiate your everyday trainers with these super-shoes.

Carbon Fiber Plates: These are strategically embedded within the midsole and are designed to increase propulsion. This plate acts as a lever, providing a spring-like effect that promotes a more efficient toe-off phase during running. This can lead to improved speed and reduced energy expenditure.

Responsive Foams: The foams used in these shoes are usually lighter, more resilient, and provide superior energy return compared to those found in daily trainers. Brands often use proprietary foam formulas that are typically a PEBA foam. These foams balance cushioning with responsiveness, enhancing comfort while also contributing to overall performance.

The Nike Alphafly 3 is the successor in the line known for breaking marathon records. It features Nike's ZoomX foam, which is incredibly light and provides maximum energy return. The addition of two slim Zoom Air units in the forefoot increases responsiveness. This shoe is ideal for runners seeking cutting-edge technology for long-distance races, particularly marathons. Good luck getting your hands on a pair any time soon, inventory nationwide is slim.

Race Distances: Half Marathon, Marathon

Price: $295

Built on Nike’s ZoomX midsole and carbon-fiber plate, the Vaporfly 4 pushes further into the lightweight, speed-first category than both the Alphafly 3 and the Vaporfly 3, featuring a lighter overall build, a higher plate angle, and a lower 6 mm drop compared to the Vaporfly 3’s 8 mm. Compared to the Vaporfly 3, it feels more purpose-built for shorter, faster racing efforts, while the Alphafly 3 remains the more cushioned, marathon-oriented option with an overall taller platform of foam and features forefoot Air units designed for long-distance efficiency and stability.

Race Distances: 5000m, 10000m, Half Marathon

Price: $270

The New Balance SC Elite v5 separates itself from other carbon-plated racers with a firmer, more aggressive ride that favors propulsion and turnover over soft, bouncy cushioning, making it a strong option for runners who want a snappier feel at marathon and half-marathon pace. Compared to the SC Elite v4, the v5 moves to a 100% PEBA FuelCell midsole, a stiffer forefoot carbon plate, and a lighter, more minimal upper, resulting in a faster, more race-focused shoe that sacrifices some forgiveness in exchange for pure speed.

Race Distances: 10000m, Half Marathon, Marathon

Price: $265

The Hoka Rocket X 3 differentiates itself from other carbon-plated racers with a more stable, controlled feel, pairing a winged carbon fiber plate and dual-density PEBA foam to deliver propulsion without the overly soft or unstable sensation found in some max-stack competitors. Compared to the Rocket X 2, the v3 adds improved stability, a smoother rocker transition, and better outsole grip, creating a more versatile and confidence-inspiring race shoe that still prioritizes speed on race day.

This is one of the racing shoes that comes in a unisex sizing. For a women’s size we recommend going 1.5 sizes down from your typical size. (Example: W 9 = U 7.5)

Race Distances: 5000m, 10000m, Half Marathon

Price: $255

The Hoka Cielo X1 3.0 sets itself apart from other super shoes by prioritizing underfoot stability without sacrificing race-day speed, using a centrally positioned cutout channel, refined carbon plate geometry, and responsive PEBA foam to create a smoother, more controlled ride at high speeds. The 3.0 delivers noticeably improved heel and midfoot stability, a more secure upper with better lockdown, and a lighter overall build. The result is a confidence-inspiring marathon and half marathon racer that feels fast, efficient, and composed.

This is one of the racing shoes that comes in a unisex sizing. For a women’s size we recommend going 1.5 sizes down from your typical size. (Example: W 9 = U 7.5)

Race Distances: Half Marathon, Marathon

Price: $275

The ASICS Metaspeed Sky Tokyo (6.0 oz) shaved half an ounce off the previous version (6.5 oz) and comes in a full ounce lighter than the Alphafly 3 (7.0 oz), a difference you feel the moment you pick it up—and even more once you’re moving. That weight reduction delivers an underfoot feel that practically disappears on foot, pairing ultra-light FF LEAP™ with FF TURBO™ PLUS foam to create a bouncy, energetic ride that feels quick, lively, and effortlessly fast from toe-off to toe-down.

This is one of the racing shoes that comes in a unisex sizing. For a women’s size we recommend going 1.5 sizes down from your typical size. (Example: W 9 = U 7.5)

Race Distances: 10000m, Half Marathon, Marathon

Price: $250

The On Cloudboom Strike LS differentiates itself from other carbon-plated racers by pairing an ultra-light, precision-tuned ride with a radically minimal LightSpray™ upper, creating a shoe that feels exceptionally fast and disappears on foot at race pace. Built on the same Double Helion™ HF midsole and full-length carbon Speedboard® as the Cloudboom Strike, the LS version swaps in the robotically applied LightSpray™ upper—which uses significantly less material and waste than traditional uppers—for a lighter, more sustainable take on On’s top-tier marathon racer without changing its underfoot performance.

Race Distances: 10000m, Half Marathon, Marathon

Price: $330

The Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 differentiates itself from other carbon-plated racers with its all-new incrediRUN TPEE foam, delivering a softer, bouncier underfoot feel that’s less rigid and more naturally springy than many firmer super shoes while still maintaining race-day snap. Compared to the original Endorphin Elite, the switch to incrediRUN replaces the denser, harsher sensation of the previous midsole with a more resilient, longer-lasting foam that compresses smoothly, rebounds energetically, and feels noticeably more forgiving late in the race without sacrificing speed.

This is one of the racing shoes that comes in a unisex sizing. For a women’s size we recommend going 1.5 sizes down from your typical size. (Example: W 9 = U 7.5)

Race Distances: 10000m, Half Marathon, Marathon

Price: $290