Best Carbon-Plated Running Shoes (2026)

The last few years have seen a huge rise in interest in carbon-plate running shoes.

Shoes where a stiffer plate is inserted in a well-cushioned midsole to help forward propulsion in the last phase of the gait cycle is not a new idea by any means. Several companies have implemented the idea in various ways over the last 20 years.

The combination of a carbon plate (sometimes nylon or Pebax®), super springy cushioning and the right "rolling geometry" has spearheaded the current wave of shoes. The increased performance indicators at elite level – notably the sub-2-hour marathon – have engendered much debate amongst runners at all levels. One thing for sure: carbon-plated shoes are not going to go away for the moment.

What does carbon fibre do for shoes, and how does it work?

Simply put, carbon fibre plates are like springs that propel you forward. Basic biomechanics identifies 3 phases to the gait cycle of most runners:

First impact phase: usually at the heel or midfoot.
Second phase: when most of the foot can be in be contact with the ground.
Third phase: when you go onto your forefoot and you project forwards.

The combination of the rocker-like geometry of the designs, together with the spring-like qualities of the plate, when used in conjunction with a soft springy midsole, just seems to enhance forward motion – and quickly.

Should I wear carbon-plate shoes?

In our opinion and experience, shoes with any kind of enhanced forward propulsion like carbon plates are engineered to improve performance.

Although in the last two years performances by elite runners in carbon-plated shoes have broken records and hit the headlines, performance is all relative. Obviously, if you want to improve your running, you have to train and train hard. No pair of shoes by itself is going to help that. Having said all that, whether you are an elite 10km or marathon runner going for a national record or a club or recreational runner just aiming to improve your PB, little things do matter! If you are convinced by the arguments that a carbon plated shoe will help you improve, there is only one way to find out.

How much faster are carbon plate running shoes?

Some companies would lead you to believe quite a lot, and the mythical 4% figure has been often quoted. Trying to find independent research not involving a running brand is not easy but does exist.

You, as a runner and we, as a retailer, always try to go beyond the headlines or the tweet or the marketing hype to see, "what is really going on here?" Any coach, in any sport, will tell you it is hard consistent training and attention to your running form &ndash sometimes for a few years – that brings genuine improvements.

However, performances by elite and club runners wearing carbon-plated shoes have shown substantial individual improvements at a range of distances from 5k to 50 miles. Or as people often say, “The stopwatch doesn't lie.”

What are the best carbon-plated running shoes?

Asics Magic Speed / Saucony Endorphin Elite / Saucony Endorphin Pro

Nylon-plated or Pebax®-plated running shoes

Hoka Mach X / Saucony Endorphin Speed

Asics Magic Speed 5

Heel-to-Toe Offset: 7mm
Average Weight: 190g

Ready to break the speed limit? This carbon-plated racer from Asics is ready to super-charge your running gait!

A combination of two cushioning foams – one very light and responsive, the other softer – sandwich the full-length carbon plate to blast you through each stride. The upper is as light as you’d expect but reinforced so you feel secure navigating turns. This is one powerful racing shoe.

Asics Magic Speed 5

£170

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Asics Magic Speed 5

£170 £136

SAUCONY ENDORPHIN PRO 5

Heel-to-Toe Offset: 8mm
Stack Height: 39.5/31.5mm
Average Weight: Men's 206g / Women's 179g

The Endorphin Pro is designed primarily with performance and competition in mind. It's constructed on what is Saucony’s standard 8mm drop.

The Speedroll technology has a geometry that – like other shoes in this genre – generates a lively forward roll for a natural and responsive ride.

Saucony's luxurious PWRRUN HG foam cushioning works with PWRRUN PB foam to deliver plush softness alongside responsivness. For the average runner it is basically very soft and protective, but with the slotted carbon-fibre plate design, it naturally propels you through the gait cycle.

This is a great shoe to rival other carbon-plate editions at the sharp end of any race field.

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Men's Saucony Endorphin PRO 5

£250 £199

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Women's Saucony Endorphin PRO 5

£250 £199

New Balance Supercomp Rebel

Drop: 4mm
Stack Height: 40mm / 36mm
Weight: 218g

The all-new SuperComp Rebel has a plastic plate infused with carbon, offering the best of both worlds: propulsion without aggression, comfortable at any pace. There’s enough carbon for that extra zip, but without propelling your legs faster than you can maintain, basically making it more user-friendly. Along with that you've got an amazing lightweight foam, which is bouncy and propulsive in its own way. The upper has a fantastic fit, again very lightweight but enough to hold your foot while cornering.

Men's New Balance SuperComp Rebel

£180

SAUCONY ENDORPHIN SPEED 5

Heel-to-Toe Offset: 8mm
Stack Height: 36/28mm
Average Weights: Men's 237g / Women's 204g

The Endorphin Speed is the most popular of all the Endorphin racing shoes. It's more agile than the Pro but still delivers powerful propulsion, to help you to achieve our fastest speed.

Flexible and forgiving nylon plate. Some runners use it not only for racing but also for training. The Speedroll feature works together with the plate to propel you forward. Saucony's performance PWRRUN PB cushioning is responsive, lightweight and soft, to give comfort to your feet while competing.

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Men's Saucony Endorphin Speed 5

£180 £144

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Women's Saucony Endorphin Speed 5

£180 £144

HOKA MACH X 3

Heel-to-Toe Offset: 5mm
Average Weights: Men's 288g

Enjoy a highly resilient PEBA foam, increased early-stage MetaRocker for aggressive toe-off, and a sleek heel-collar with race design. Mach X 3 is a fast, super-cushioned, propulsive shoe that will take you from quick training runs to racing and your next PB!

The very popular Mach X gets quite a big upgrade with V3. The improved Dual-density midsole also features more cushioning and a 5mm stack height, to promote softer landing and a powerful push-off. The Pebax propulsion plate sports winglets – basically for stride efficiency.