Best Carbon-Plate Running Shoes: 2025

The last few years have seen a huge rise in interest in carbon-fibre 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, 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.”

Which running shoes have a carbon plate?

Asics Magic Speed / Brooks Hyperion Elite / Hoka Cielo / Hoka Mach X / Saucony Endorphin Elite / Saucony Endorphin Pro / Saucony Endorphin Speed

Asics Magic Speed 4

Heel-to-Toe Offset: 7mm
Stack Heights: Men's 36/29mm / Women's 35/28mm
Average Weights: Men's 240g / Women's 207g

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.

Men's Asics Magic Speed 4

£160

Women's Asics Magic Speed 4

£160

HOKA CIELO X1

Heel-to-Toe Offset: 7mm
Average Weight: 229g

When Hoka launched racing shoe Cielo X1 in 2024 it was an instant bestseller. Now we're excited to introduce mark 2. The snappy, winged carbon-plate propels you forward, bringing that PB ever closer. Further momentum comes from the aggressive Meta Rocker, which is more powerful than its predecessor.

Add to this a redesigned upper that's lighter, and a sticky rubber outersole – no need to curb your speed when it’s raining – and you’ve got the ultimate racing shoe. Max-cushioned, lightning-fast and 35g lighter than version 1.

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Hoka Cielo X1 2.0

£250 £209

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.

Men's Hoka Mach X 3

£170

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Women's Hoka Mach X 2

£170 £144

Brooks Hyperion Elite 5

Heel-to-Toe Offset: 8mm
Stack Height: Unisex 40/32mm
Average Weight: Unisex 201g

Whether you're chasing a new PB or competing at the highest level, the Hyperion Elite 5 is your perfect partner for race-day dominance. Elevate your race and surpass your limits. Experience the future of performance with Brooks' advanced Carbon Fibre SpeedVault+ Plate, designed to give you explosive propulsion with each step, enabling you to cut down your race time. The innovative DNA GOLD midsole provides a lightweight, cushioned ride that delivers outstanding energy-return, offering superior comfort and minimising impact in every stride.

Brooks Hyperion Elite 5

£240

SAUCONY

Saucony's Endorphin range is at the cutting edge of innovation, featuring Speedroll technology. The Pro and Elite have a carbon plate, while the Speed has a plastic/TPU plate. Saucony has a great reputation for this technology and continues to impress. Read on for details of each...

SAUCONY ENDORPHIN ELITE 2

Heel-to-Toe Offset: 8mm
Stack Height: 39.5/31.5mm
Average Weight: Unisex 199g

The Elite is top of the range in the Endorphin collection, made for performance and competition. Maximum cushioning is packed into the IncrediRUN midsole, with 8mm drop.

The built-in full length carbon plate is slotted for increased flexibility, which makes this incredible racer move with the foot. Flexibility is not compromised by the powerful propulsion from the carbon plate – on the contrary, it maintains a smooth, responsive and easy ride.

The luxurious IncrediRUN foam cushioning offers maximum bouncy comfort and energy-return, alongside impact-absorption on roads. The feather-light upper promotes excellent breathability.

Just by trying on and testing Endorphin Elite one notices the huge point of difference: ultimate step-in comfort and a stable, smooth yet propulsive ride, with a lightweight feeling on your feet.

Saucony Endorphin Elite 2

£280

SAUCONY ENDORPHIN PRO 4

Heel-to-Toe Offset: 8mm
Stack Height: 39.5/31.5mm
Average Weight: Men's 212g

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 PB foam cushioning features PeBa technology. For the average runner it is basically very soft and protective but, with the S-curved carbon-fibre plate design, 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.

Men's Saucony Endorphin PRO 4

£230

Women's Saucony Endorphin PRO 4

£230

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.