Our Best Carbon-Plated Running Shoes of 2022
With new super shoes coming out each season, carbon-plated running shoes are becoming available for any run and any runner. From marathon racing to uptempo runs to everyday training, our complete guide to carbon-plated running shoes will help you find the best match for your next run.
Updated November 17, 2022
Best for Distance Road Running
Saucony Endorphin Pro 3
The Saucony Endorphin Pro 3 was designed for long-distance races. The first version has been spotted on Jared Ward's feet at 2018 NYC Marathon and continues to perform, and evolve, since this day.
The Saucony Endorphin Pro 3 offers a thick PWRRUNPB foam midsole (39.5mm in the heel), which is one of the most responsive and lightweight PEBA-based foams. It's coupled with a stiff carbon-fibre plate and Saucony’s SPEEDROLL rocker technology to give runners speed and efficiency over kilometers. And to cut down weight, the rubber outsole is strategically placed to expose some midsole areas. These features place this carbon-racer as one of the best shoes for marathon running in the field. It's super-fast and protective.
ASICS Magic Speed 2
The ASICS Magic Speed 2 is a performance running shoe with a soft yet responsive ride, built to handle up-tempo workouts and mid to long-distance racing. Compared to the previous version, the Magic Speed 2 sees an updated fit and tooling that increase the versatility for up-tempo runs and races. The carbon fiber and TPU plates are sandwiched in a thicker midsole to propel you forward and increase stability. The FlyteFoam Blast Plus foam utilized through the midsole is even more propulsive and keep the shoe lightweight. The shoe also features an ASICSGRIP rubber outsole that offers durability and grip to handle daily training and races. Finally, this racer has a breathable upper with at least 50% of the mesh constructed from recycled materials to keep you comfortable when running longer.
The ASICS Magic Speed 2 is perfect for runners looking for a more durable and less expensive option for faster training and race day.
HOKA Carbon X 3
The new HOKA Carbon X 3 is a carbon-plated speed machine that's designed for both uptempo training and long distance racing.
The HOKA Carbon X 3 offers a mix of cushioning and propulsion to work as both an elite-level marathon racer, and as a fast training shoe. This 3rd version of the Carbon X sees an improved fit along with a performance-oriented cushioning system. It features HOKA's PROFLYX midsole compound, the lightest and most responsive foam compound to date. A carbon fiber plate sandwiched in the foam and the shoe’s meta-rocker geometry give runners a very efficient and energy-saving ride, that's perfect for maximizing performance over longer and harder efforts. The Carbon X 3 is finished off with a sleek engineered knit construction that provides a secure lockdown of the foot, while also feeling adaptable and breathable. With its responsive cushioning, updated upper and new look, the Carbon X 3 is one of the best performance-based running shoes on the market.
Best For Trail Running
The North Face Flight VECTIV
Carbon plated shoes are no-longer limited to the road and track. The North Face Flight VECTIV was the first carbon-plated trail running shoe. It's perfect for those looking who want to bring speed and efficiency to trail races. With a lightweight design that's best suited for shorter trail races, but can also be taken to ultramarathon distances, the Flight VECTIV is designed to propel the runner forward. With its carbon-plate and rockered geometry, this shoe helps reducing fatigue over distance by providing more energy return and helping the runner roll forward through its stride. It is worn by the best The North Face trail athletes as the UTMB record-breaker Pau Capell.
HOKA Tecton X
The HOKA Tecton X is a fast and adaptable trail racing shoe with propulsive parallel carbon fiber plates, responsive ProFlyX midsole, and a grippy Vibram Megagrip outsole.
The HOKA Tecton X was designed for trail speed and comfort. The shoe has the brand's ProFlyX midsole which is light and responsive. The ProFlyX is aided in propulsion by parallel carbon fiber plates contained in the midsole. These features give the shoe a responsive and cushioned ride, ready to take on trails at speed. Finally, the upper of the shoe is an engineered jacquard mesh that provides an excellent hold on uneven terrain. The HOKA Tecton X is an exciting trail running shoe designed to make runners fly over any terrain.
