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.