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Carbon plates have well-researched benefits and a seemingly endless list of race wins and world records.
They create the firmer feel that fast racers are looking for and help to guide the foot through your stride, providing a touch of extra support. They can also help create a rocker feel, with the stiffness allowing the shoe to pivot – as the toe goes down, the heel must come up, easing you into your next stride.
Although stiff, they do flex, providing an energised pop of forward momentum as the plate fights to retain its shape.
Each brand, and almost every shoe, uses a plate differently. Different shapes, thicknesses, and designs are used to prioritise a different aspect of performance. Some aim exclusively to guide the stride, while others focus solely on propulsion.
New Balance FuelCell Super Comp
New Balances most advanced daily training shoe, the new FuelCell Super Comp Trainer in White offers a super responsive ride thanks to its FuelCell foam and Energy Arc technology that includes a curved carbon plate for even more pop.
The New Balance FuelCell Super Comp Trainer lets you train at pace, fast enough to race in, they can also be used as part of your perfect rotation with other Super Comp shoes.
The Energy Arc technology includes an unusual way of shaping the carbon plate. If you look at the plate from the heel, you will see an arch shape from one side of your foot to the other, giving a shape that compresses on landing, and springs back into its arch shape at toe off, providing even more spring. This is facilitated by the cut outs in the midsole that create a space for the arch to flex properly.
When you combine Energy Arc technology with a thick stack of super responsive FuelCell foam and an exaggerated rocker shape for smooth transitions, you get a huge amount of forward propulsion to carry you through the hard miles.
Up-top, a no-sew engineered knit mesh gives a barely there comfort, for a speedy feel.
The New Balance FuelCell Super Comp Trainer lets you train at pace, fast enough to race in, they can also be used as part of your perfect rotation with other Super Comp shoes.
The Energy Arc technology includes an unusual way of shaping the carbon plate. If you look at the plate from the heel, you will see an arch shape from one side of your foot to the other, giving a shape that compresses on landing, and springs back into its arch shape at toe off, providing even more spring. This is facilitated by the cut outs in the midsole that create a space for the arch to flex properly.
When you combine Energy Arc technology with a thick stack of super responsive FuelCell foam and an exaggerated rocker shape for smooth transitions, you get a huge amount of forward propulsion to carry you through the hard miles.
Up-top, a no-sew engineered knit mesh gives a barely there comfort, for a speedy feel.
Carbon Plate
Extra Cushioning
Featuring extra-deep stacks of midsole foam, extra-cushioned shoes offer improved impact absorption, comfort, and even performance. With modern foams providing energy return through your stride, the more foam under your foot, the bigger the spring forward. The trade-off of extra foam is additional weight and reduced ground feel. It can also be expensive to create and stabilise so much foam.
New Balance
Founded in Boston, USA, in 1906 as a maker of arch supports, New Balance are now one of the most recognisable brands around, straddling both the fashion and running worlds.
Their top-end runners can be split into two groups. Shoes that use Fresh Foam, such as the 1080, prioritise comfort, giving a plush and soft ride, while the explosive FuelCell range offer a little more rebound, helping you make the most of every step for improved times.
Neutral
This shoe is a neutral running shoe, ideal for runners with a natural gait or mild underpronation. It's designed to offer cushioning and flexibility without additional stability or motion control features found in structured shoes. The midsole is made with lightweight, responsive materials, providing a good balance between cushioning and ground feel. It allows your foot to move more freely, following its natural motion during each stride. The upper provides a comfortable, snug fit without constraining your foot. If you have a natural gait and seek a shoe that combines cushioning, comfort, and freedom of movement, this neutral running shoe is for you.
Features
• FuelCell foam delivers a propulsive feel to help drive you forward
• Synthetic and engineered knit mesh upper material
• Upper features no-sew construction for a sleek fit and feel
• Energy Arc
• Gusseted tongue designed for a sleek and fast fit
• Carbon Fibre Plate
• Adjustable lace closure for customized fit
• Bold branding for a stylish finish
• 8 mm drop; due to variances created during the development and manufacturing processes, all references to 8 mm drop are approximate
• 320 grams (11.3 oz)
• Synthetic and engineered knit mesh upper material
• Upper features no-sew construction for a sleek fit and feel
• Energy Arc
• Gusseted tongue designed for a sleek and fast fit
• Carbon Fibre Plate
• Adjustable lace closure for customized fit
• Bold branding for a stylish finish
• 8 mm drop; due to variances created during the development and manufacturing processes, all references to 8 mm drop are approximate
• 320 grams (11.3 oz)
Additional Information
- Quick Ref: 251839
- Man. Ref: MRCXLW2
Road Running
It might say road, but we don’t just mean pounding closed-off streets on race day. Road shoes are predominantly for the pavement.
They feature flat rubber traction for confident footing in the city and enhanced cushioning to soak up the strain of every stride.
Best for Race Day
Race day shoes have two priorities: lightness and propulsion.
Outsole rubber is traditionally the heaviest component of any running shoe, so race day shoes use lighter compounds of rubber, thinner layers, and targeted placement to reduce weight where it really counts. A super-thin upper with minimal overlays saves additional grams for a lightweight feel up top.
To help build your speed, propulsive midsole foams often combine with internal plates to give you the edge and drive you across the line.
Stripped back and powerful, race day shoes are not built to be as durable as daily mileage trainers.