Do I Need a Plated Race Shoe?

Carbon-plated race shoes seem to be everywhere these days. From world-record-breaking marathon runners to your local parkrun regular, it can feel like everyone is lacing up a pair of high-tech "super shoes". With promises of improved efficiency, faster times and less fatigue, they're certainly tempting. But do you actually need a carbon-plated race shoe to run your best? 

The truth is, while carbon-plated shoes can offer genuine performance benefits, they're not the right choice for every runner or every race. Before you spend a significant chunk of your running budget on the latest speed-focused model, it's worth understanding what these shoes do, who they're designed for and whether they'll make a meaningful difference to your own running.  

The most elite (and expensive) shoes on the market, are aimed at making the top 1 – 2% faster, but if you don’t run in the same way as them, have the same gait, speed and cadence, then you might find you don’t get the full benefit. 

Most elite runners land on their forefoot, and take off immediately, rather than the more common heel landing, where you roll through the stride to toe-off. This means many of the fastest shoes on the market have a construction and shape that almost skips the heel, so if you land heel first, some “supershoes” might not work that well for you. 

Another feature not spoken about often is the need to race at a certain speed to get the most out of them. With the stiffness in the forefoot from carbon plates designed to launch a certain amount of force forward, if you put less force through the plate, you might not get the full “spring” effect, meaning slower runners may not feel the full benefit. 

So, what is the best shoe for me?

While there are many ways of making a running shoe, there are three types we would recommend for race day beyond the carbon plate, find them below with 5 great examples of each. 

Non-carbon, plated shoes

The first type is non-carbon plated shoes, often featuring a plastic plate that is softer, easier to run in than carbon, needs less force, therefore less speed to get the most of, these are often marketed as “super trainers” or tempo shoes, but will make ideal race shoes for many users. Pebax is often used as it stores energy well, giving an excellent snap effect as you launch. 

PUMA Deviate Nitro

While the Elite version is a carbon fibre plated shoe, the standard Deviate Nitro uses a softer, more comfortable “carbon composite” plate to make it more wearable and comfortable underfoot. With loads of speed, and a famous ride, it’s making big waves in the world of up tempo running. 

Saucony Endorphin Speed

With a semi-rigid nylon plate, the Endorphin Speed gives the perfect combination of extra propulsion and easy to run in comfort. Lightweight and responsive PEBA based foam helps cushion as well as propel you forwards. 

adidas Boston

The tempo running legend is comfortable enough to wear all day, but comes with loads of extra speed thanks to ENERGYRODS through the midsole, sandwiched between a stable layer of Lightstrike, and highly energetic Lifghtstrike Pro. 

Mizuno Neo Vista

A ready made plated long run specialist, the Neo Vista is somewhere between a traditional long run shoe and a tempo shoe, making it a great choice for long races in comfort.

ASICS Sonicblast

Part of ASICS blast range that features trampoline pods in the forefoot for extra bounce, the Sonicblast is part tempo trainer, part daily trainer, and lots of fun. A forked pebax ASTROPLATE with dual bouncy foams delivers an energised ride.

Lively, non-plated

The second is the new wave of lively full foam shoes that have revolutionised the market in recent years. From the Evo SL to the Novablast and more, they offer surprising speed and cushioning for a reasonable price. Some might lack a little stability, which means they do not suit every runner over the full marathon but would be great for shorter races or runners who have a clean gait and don’t need a supportive shoe. 

adidas Evo SL

The shoe at the forefront of a movement, it’s seen on the feet of people on the streets as much as it is on runs. Its fast, lightweight and somehow looks epic in every colour option. Available in a trail, woven and Exo versions, stick with the original for the purest running experience. Not the most stable shoe, so better for shorter races than full marathons. 

Saucony Azura

With lightweight and highly responsive PWRRUN PB Peba based foam and SPEEDROLL technology easing you from one stride to another, there is a lot to love in this new offering from Saucony 

ASICS Superblast

The most expensive of the 5, but the one that has best reviews for its all-round performance, it is known for its speed, fun, support and cushioned feel. A true one shoe does it all option if you have the means. The Novablast is another great option from ASICS at a similar price to others in this category. 

Mizuno Neo Zen

A personal favourite due to its soft, plush cushioning, energised ride, and surprisingly stable feel underfoot. It also features a Smooth Speed Assist to make each stride feel comparatively effortless, and a comfortable, sock like upper. 

HOKA Clifton Pro

A new, speed orientated version of the Clifton, the Pro features bold styling, and a next gen remake of a classic. Super critical foams and an aggressive rocker shape make it smooth and easy to run in, at a range of paces.

Comfort/Long shoes

The third list is the more traditional running shoe. Over the last year or so, new foams have added a surprising amount of energy return to daily high milage shoes, making them ideal for training, long runs and all the way up to race day. These shoes offer a touch more protection, so if you don’t expect to set a lightening pace and are more focused on finishing than PB’ing, this might be the category for you.  

New Balance 1080

Recently updated to use a brand new, lively and highly durable Infinion foam, which has since seen modified versions go into their race day shoes. This heavily cushioned, long-distance cruiser makes taking on long runs, almost pleasant.

ASICS Nimbus

The Nimbus, and its structured sibling the Kayano, have long stood at the top of long-distance comfort, easing muscles, absorbing impact and providing a plush feel. Modern foams and tweaks have made them feel a bit faster too, meaning you get a bit of everything in one shoe. 

Saucony Triumph

Like ASICS above, the Triumph has a sibling structured shoe in the Hurricane, and both have been given a big update this year with incrediLUX A-TPU foam taking centre stage, for a plush, durable and responsive feel with more speed than previous versions.

adidas Hyperboost Edge

With bold styling and a modern construction, the Hyberboost Edge has been a huge success with reviewers, runners and the streets. Huge amounts of brand-new Light Boost cushioning give it a great ride that won it a Runners Shoe award in 2026. 

On Cloudmonster Hyper

Whether you go for the Ligthtspray upper or the original, the Hyper delivers the same energised, cushioned ride from the huge CloudTec voids through the midsole. With a smooth forward motion, deep cushioning and bold modern look, this makes a great long-distance option.