Comparison: Our TOP 7 Best Carbon Plate Running Shoes

In the early 2000s, in relative anonymity, Adidas launched the ProPlate, the first running shoe with a carbon plate sole. The times were not focused on performance and running was not the phenomenon it is today.   

By launching the Vaporfly in 2017, Nike made a more noticeable entry into the carbon plate shoe market by breaking records and sales figures.   

The launch of this shoe caused a lot of buzz in the world of running. The brand with the swoosh’s first model highlighted a 4% economy in running. Technical doping, spring sole, marketing argument, best technological innovation in history. These are just some of the terms you’ll find online about shoes integrating a carbon plate.   

The scientific world also took up the subject, some studies confirming the gain and others less flattering. However, just look at the starting line of a 2025 race to see the Nike Vaporfly 4 on the feet of many athletes, not always sponsored by the brand, but wanting to compete on equal footing with their rivals.  

Comparison summary of the best carbon plate shoes:

1. Nike Alphafly 3, the marathon shoes
2. Nike Vaporfly 4, Nike’s fastest shoe
3. Saucony Endorphin Elite 2, the best carbon plate shoe from Saucony
4. Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4, adidas’ fast long-distance shoe
5. New Balance FuelCell SC Elite V5, New Balance’s best carbon plate shoe
6. Hoka Rocket X3, the best Hoka carbon plate running shoe
7. Asics Metaspeed Sky Tokyo, the long-distance alternative to the Rocket X

Nike Alphafly 3, the must-have for marathons

Features :

You can’t miss this model from Nike with which Kelvin Kiptum smashed the marathon world record: 2h00 and 35 seconds at the 2023 Chicago Marathon. The Nike Alphafly 3 was designed based on the 2nd generation, continuing its pursuit of performance and records. This lighter new version offers exceptional cushioning and energy return thanks to the ZoomX foam and the Flyplate carbon plate inserted in the shoe. In short, the longer the distance, the more the Alphafly will be your best weapon against the muscle fatigue accumulated over the kilometers. If you’re an experienced runner aiming for records/fast times on the queen distance, you won’t be disappointed with this model during your races.

Nike Vaporfly 4, Nike’s fastest shoe

Features:

The Nike Vaporfly 4 benefits from a lighter design for maximum speed sensations during your runs. The ZoomX foam is engineered to deliver unmatched energy return and comfort throughout all the kilometers run. It improves the runner’s propulsion at every stride. This Nike running shoe is made for experienced runners looking for a lightweight shoe built for competition and to smash times from 10K to marathon. It’s often with these shoes on their feet that Nike athletes have shattered their records!

Saucony Endorphin Elite 2, Saucony’s best carbon plate shoe

Features:

New version of the Saucony Endorphin Elite ideal for your road races (from 5km to marathon) and your intense training sessions (Threshold, VMA and long runs). The new IncrediRUN foam has an exceptional energy return that helps slow down the onset of muscle fatigue in the legs and maximize propulsion thanks to the combination with a curved carbon plate promoting dynamism. The propulsion of this shoe is very effective and competes with renowned brands. Moreover, it benefits from a longer lifespan thanks to reinforcements in fragile areas.

Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4, the fast long-distance shoe from adidas

Features:

Originally designed for marathon runners, this Adidas shoe for universal stride combines ultra-light materials with Lightstrike Pro cushioning, the most dynamic ever designed by the brand. Combined with EnergyRods 2.0 technology and its carbon rods you get one of the most responsive and propulsive soles on the market. The highly breathable mesh upper offers a snug fit ideal for support at high speed and the Continental rubber outsole provides the necessary grip. This new model is meant to be a reinterpretation of the previous generation, with maximum technological improvements: multidirectional carbon plate, unparalleled comfort, and a lightweight structure.

New Balance FuelCell SC Elite V5, the best carbon plate shoe from New Balance

Features:

New model from New Balance with a carbon fiber plate integrated into the shoe, the New Balance Fuelcell SuperComp Elite V5 will help you break your records in the marathon thanks to the powerful propulsion provided by Energy Arc technology and the muscular economy of 100% PEBA FuelCell foam at every stride. This SuperComp Elite V5 is designed for competition, in the same spirit as the previous version, and intended for runners seeking maximum and dynamic cushioning to break their records in road races.

Hoka Rocket X3, the best Hoka running shoe with a carbon plate

Features:

The latest version of the reference competition model from Hoka benefits from a curved MetaRocker carbon fiber plate along the entire length of the shoe for a rocker effect and maximum forward propulsion at each stride. The Hoka Rocket X3 promises exceptional dynamism and cushioning thanks to its double density PEBA foam, ideal for your threshold sessions, VO2 max workouts, or your road races no matter the distance.

Asics Metaspeed Sky Tokyo, the fastest carbon plate shoe from Asics

Features:

The METASPEED SKY TOKYO shoe is designed for runners seeking speed, wanting to start strong and finish even faster. Thanks to the combination of FF LEAP and FF TURBO PLUS foams, it offers maximum cushioning, explosive energy return, and excellent stability at each stride. Its ultra-light midsole and higher positioned plate promote a longer and more effective stride. Ideal for all distances from 5km to marathon, its exceptional lightness will help you break through the 30km wall when your legs get heavy.

Shoes with carbon soles

There are two types of carbon midsoles:

• Full-length carbon plate: to give a rebound and propulsion effect to the shoe from heel to toe.
• Carbon plate on the front of the shoe: reduces energy loss on the forefoot, improves the stride, and keeps heel comfort unchanged.

Nike's competitors had to react and now also offer a performance running shoe with a carbon plate. Find in the rest of this article an overview of the key players present.

For jogging lovers and less intense speeds, discover our comparison of the best running shoes. And if you want to buy cheap running shoes, we are here to help you find the perfect fit.