Looking to bag a PB? These are the best carbon plate running shoes we've tested
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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 pretty exciting releases from the likes of Hoka, Saucony, Nike and more.
Born out of the Nike Breaking 2 project in 2017, the super shoe has become a staple in the line-up of pretty much every 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 Pebax (or EVA) foam and, as the name suggests, a carbon fibre plate. Pebax 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.
But 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.
Whilst carbon plate shoes will still feel bouncy on a gentle 5k plod, given that they 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.
Carbon plate running 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.
How we test carbon plate running shoes
The RW test 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.
11 best carbon plate running shoes for 2025, tested and reviewed
Nike Alphafly 3
Read our full Nike Alphafly 3 review
Perhaps the most revered shoe on our list, this is the one if you have Kipchoge 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 tippy, 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.
If you’re chasing down a PB this year, you’d be hard pushed to find better than the Alphafly 3.
Nike Vaporfly 3
Eliud Kipchoge may have worn the even-higher-spec Alphafly to break the two-hour barrier, but a glance at the sharp end of any major marathon tells you the Vaporfly is a go-to for many serious racers. And thankfully the third iteration feels just as lively and fast as the previous two. Nike has overhauled the Vaporfly from the rubber up, looking to make it the lightest yet.
One attempt to shave weight came in the midsole shaping. The foam is still the same ZoomX that delivers top-of-the-line energy return, but a cutout on the lateral sidewall – your foot doesn’t need support there – and a small channel under the midfoot reduces material. Gone too is the big, flat slab of rubber under the forefoot, replaced with a web of diamond shaped lugs – think waffle sole, rotated 45 degrees, with cutouts. Our testers reported the shoes felt planted in dry conditions, and the new construction eliminates the loud, slappy sensation found in almost all the new super shoes.
One gripe: the Flyknit upper is extremely thin and breathable, but it doesn’t stretch at all so take care not to lace too tightly or you can suffer pressure on the tops of your feet.
Editor's note: The Vaporfly 4 is launching this March, which means the Vaporfly 3 is currently 24% off at Nike.
New Balance SuperComp Elite v4
Read our full New Balance SC Elite v4 review
A light and propulsive shoe designed for long distance races, the SC Elite V4 is a totally different shoe compared with its predecessor.
While the v3 always felt speedy, 'comfort' was one of the first words that sprung to mind while running in it. A large part of this came from the stretchy synthetic knit upper and the fact that the carbon plate seemed relatively forgiving compared to other super shoes. With the v4, what we get is much more of that classic 'super shoe' feeling. It's not unstable, uncomfortable or aggressive by any means – in fact, it's still a pretty accommodating shoe compared to others in this guide – but it's no longer a shoe you can get away with wearing for the bulk of your training runs.
The new PEBA midsole feels instantly lighter and more responsive. This is also thanks to an updated carbon fibre plate design, which increases forefoot stiffness. The new FantomFit upper is a vast improvement on the previous knit design, too, providing a much better midfoot lockdown. The tongue feels a little 'sloppy', though, and isn't gusseted, which means it moves around a bit.
The heel counter is more traditional, losing that iconic high curve design that's used across most of the FuelCell line. Some testers have experienced Achilles irritation as a result, although this wasn't universal across the board.
Saucony Endorphin Elite 2
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.
The latest model is markedly different from its predecessor, 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.
Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4
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.
Asics Metaspeed Sky Paris
Read our full Metaspeed Sky Paris review
The Asics Metaspeed Sky Paris is the successor to the Metaspeed Sky+, a well regarded super shoe worn by the likes of Eilish McColgan on her way to breaking various British records over the past couple of years. It's designed for what Asics calls ‘stride runners’, namely those that have a longer, bouncier stride and a predisposition to land on their forefoot or midfoot rather than heel. There’s an alternative option, the Asics Metaspeed Edge Paris, for what Asics calls ‘cadence runners’; those with more of a high-cadence, shuffling style.
At 188g in a UK size 9, it's impossibly light, thanks to the Turbo FlyteFoam+ midsole, which is lighter, bouncier and more comfortable. Combined with a slightly wider carbon plate, it creates a wonderfully responsive ride. At quicker paces, the shoe comes alive and you get a real sense of propulsion – more so than in its predecessor.
Like many other super shoes, there’s a bit of lateral instability (i.e. sideways wobble), particularly at slower paces. Similar to when wearing the Metaspeed Sky+, our tester felt a little bit of pressure on the top part of their toes while running at faster paces. That’s not an issue with the length of the shoe – which fits true to size – more to do with the ‘ceiling’ of the forefoot, which may feel a bit low to some. It's only a minor issue, though, and may not prove an issue for the majority of runners.
Either way, it's safe to say that Asics now has a super shoe to rival the very best.
Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 3
Read our full Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 3 review
With the Deviate Nitro Elite 3, Puma was keen to prove to the world that it was now on par with, if not better than, the more established running brands operating in the super shoe sphere, having adopted a more pared down approach previously with the Deviate Nitro Elite 2. And having tested it, we have to agree. The v3 is taller, lighter and more determined than its predecessor. In other words, it has been specifically engineered to deliver speed and demonstrate why Puma should be taken seriously as a top contender on the roads.
With a significant rocker geometry and 8mm drop (which is 2mm greater than that of the Deviate Nitro Elite 2), this shoe propels you forward smoothly but sharply, helping to increase your leg turnover for those speed sessions and races. Although the midsole can feel a little on the firm side at times, this neutral shoe is still supportive and very well cushioned despite its slight weight and energetic ride.
The ultraweave upper gently moulds to your foot, with a super-light and barely there feel, though it is worth noting that the shoe’s slimmer, more streamlined fit is better suited towards narrow feet.
Boasting durability, high energy return and a great aesthetic, this nimble, snappy shoe deserves to attract the attention of runners who are targeting a new PB.
Hoka Cielo X1 2.0
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.
On Cloudboom Strike
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'.
Brooks Hyperion Elite 4 PB
The Hyperion Elite 4 lacked the all-out punch of the very best carbon shoes. The DNA Flash V2 foam just wasn’t quite as propulsive. This PB version – squeezed out ahead of the Elite 5 which will land soon – fixes that by upgrading the midsole foam. It’s Brooks first carbon racer to pack a 100% PEBA midsole – with a new DNA Gold supercritical superfoam that cranks the energy.
Brooks happily stuck with the same comfortable uppers, and stack and geometry remain the same. The result is an even lighter racer that now delivers everything you want for race day. Good, easy comfort and snug, supportive race fit from the lightest and airiest of uppers. The lively midsole-carbon plate combination now offers good efficiency-boosting spring, with consistent, controlled response that’s fast, smooth and energetic.
Throw in good grip, and enough cushion to look after you if things get ragged and this puts Brooks right back in the leading pack, up there with the big-hitters, like Asic’s Metaspeed, Adidas’ Adios Pro 4 and Nike’s Alphafly 3.
Under Armour Velociti Elite 2
Read our full Under Armour Velociti Elite 2 review
Under Armour knew its athletes weren’t as well equipped as their competitors on race day— and that needed to change quickly. So UA fast-tracked the Flow Velociti Elite, developing its first super shoe within a year, and starting work on this improved second version.
The original had the nostalgic feel of a racing flat from back when super shoes weren’t skyscraper-high. With the second iteration, UA bumped up the stack height from 36mm in the heel to 39.5mm, and closed the gap on the offset from 8mm to 2mm. It still feels similar to the Velociti Elite v1, but the transitions are more propulsive. The secret is inside the midsole. The full-length carbon-fibre plate is updated with a scooped shape to encourage faster turnover.
Despite having no outsole, the Velociti Elite 2 has reliable traction, too.The midfoot and heel are fairly narrow, though, so it's more
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