Running shoe manufacturers are always looking for the next trend. A while ago, Hoka was all the rage and many manufacturers were designing their versions of a deep pocket design which was preferred by those with flat feet. The design reduced the impact from the ground and pushed the runner into a mid food stride, believed to result in fewer injuries.
A new trend has emerged with the introduction of carbon plate running shoes that are designed to improve your running speed and cushioning while adding stability from a carbon plate.
The super shoes are commonly seen worn by elite runners and many of our patients who are competing for times in their next marathon are spending over $200 for a pair of shoes that use superior foams and a carbon plate or rod in the middle of it to stabilize it.
According to the run4it blog, “a carbon-fiber plate, or rod-like structure, serves multiple functions. First of all, super foams are extremely soft – making them inherently unstable. A stiffer structure makes the midsole more stable. Next, a carbon plate helps limit energy loss through the midsole. Finally, and most importantly, a carbon plate improves the longitudinal bending stiffness of the midsole. This creates the potential for the ‘teeter-totter effect’ to come into action.”
You can read more about these shoes on their blog Run4it.com.
Some of the current shoes using these technologies include
- adidas Adizero Adios Pro
- Nike Alphafly
- Nike Vaporfly
- Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro
- Saucony Endorphin Elite
- Saucony Endorphin Pro
Many of these shoes are now being sold both online and locally by Runners High in Metuchen and Freehold, a local merchant that I have recommended for many years due to their knowledge and level of service. Buy local and support our local merchants. I am planning to interview Rob from Runners High who will explain this new trend using carbon plates and how there will be future lower-cost designs for those who want the benefits of carbon plating but in a more affordable design.