The Best Carbon Plate Running Super Shoes of 2024

For many marathoners these days, it's carbon fibre or bust when it comes to which shoes to lace up on race day. In light of the growing demand for carbon-fibre plate technology in running footwear, most of the top running brands have responded by crafting their own carbon-plated race-day and daily training super shoes. With so many options out there, it can be hard to decide on the right one, especially given the high price tag that comes with these high-performance shoes. Our experts are here to help! Below is a comprehensive runner's guide to the best carbon-plated footwear of 2024, including links to our expert reviews for each, to help you choose the right carbon-plated shoe for you.

Our Top Picks for Best Carbon Plated Running Shoes of 2024

• Best Carbon Plated Shoes for Marathon Racing Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro 3
• Best Carbon Plated Shoes for Beginner Marathoners PUMA Deviate Nitro Elite 3
• Most Affordable Carbon Plated Racing Shoe ASICS Magic Speed 4
• Best Carbon Plated Racing Shoe for Wide Feet New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4
• Best Carbon Plated Racing Shoe for Shorter Distances Saucony Endorphin Pro 4
• Best Carbon Plated Daily Training Shoe New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trainer v3
• Best Carbon Plated Trail Running Shoe adidas Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra

With differing running styles and personal preferences, there is no one best marathon racing shoe for everyone. Some runners may prefer a softer underfoot experience or a specific rockered geometry, and thankfully, with carbon-plated super shoe options from almost every brand, there is an option to meet each individual's needs. Here are some of our top picks for the most elite, long-distance carbon-plated options on the market.

As Mizuno's latest speed evolution, the Wave Rebellion Pro 3 is packed with the brand's best technologies to help you crush your racing goals. This update marks the debut of MIZUNO ENERZY XP, a nitrogen-infused supercritical foam, designed to provide an ideal balance of high responsiveness and cushioning. The Rebellion Pro 3 is built to elevate performance in any race and is perfect for PR chasers or those who enjoy the most unique offerings that will separate them from the masses.

For first-time marathoners whose primary goal is to cross the finish line on two feet, we recommend prioritising comfort and protection over speed. However, this isn't to say that speed should be left completely at the door. There are several great options on the market that strike a fantastic balance between comfort and speed, making them perfect options for a first-time marathoner.

Running 26.2 miles is no easy task, so if this is your first time, we highly recommend getting a shoe that delivers high levels of comfort and cushioning. Our top pick that fits this definition is the PUMA Deviate Nitro Elite, a shoe with all the bells and whistles of an elite level racing shoe, but in an extremely comfortable package. The midsole is updated with a higher stack of improved NITRO Elite foam for amplified energy return and cushioning while coming in at a lighter weight than the previous iteration. In addition, the upgraded PWRPLATE carbon plate ensures heightened propulsion while reducing weight, creating a swift and efficient ride.

In a class all by itself, the ASICS Magic Speed 4 deserves all the shine in this category. Now featuring a FLYTEFOAM TURBO layer inside the FLYTEFOAM BLAST PLUS midsole, the Magic Speed 4 is both more cushioned and more responsive than ever before. With its efficient design, the shoe offers a balance of comfort and responsiveness that performs well in a variety of workouts and races. The best part? You get all of this for the amazing price point of $250, which is why we HAD to make this our pick for this category.

While we think the Magic Speed 4s are best suited for races up to a half-marathon, they are still a fantastic option for anyone who wants to experience the benefits of a carbon-plated shoe without breaking the bank.

As the pinnacle model of the SuperComp family, the New Balance SuperComp Elite v4 is built to provide high levels of cushioning and energy return. Redesigned from top to bottom, the SuperComp Elite v4 is faster, softer, and more cushioned than before. With an aggressive toe spring, responsive FuelCell foam in the midsole, and curved carbon fibre plate, the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 emerges as a top-tier choice for runners seeking the ultimate in comfort, fit, and performance for their next race. Wide-width options allow even more runners to experience what this racer has to offer.

For shorter race distances ranging from 5K to a half-marathon, it's all about finding the fastest and most aggressive racing option. While you still want something comfortable, since you won't be on your feet nearly as long as a full marathon, comfort doesn't need to be a top priority. Our favourite shorter-distance racing shoes have minimal uppers, innovative geometries, premium foams, and of course, carbon plates. While our picks in this category could also fit well within the Best Marathon racer category, we believe they would shine particularly bright in shorter-distance races.

The latest iteration features a dual-layer midsole with Saucony's ultra-responsive PWRRUN HG cushioning in the top layer combined with PWRRUN PB foam for an overall more energetic underfoot experience. With a carbon-fibre plate embedded between the two layers of foam and Speedroll rocker technology, Endorphin Pro 4 provides a propulsive feel, pushing you to run faster and more efficiently for a luxuriously comfortable ride on every inch of those 26.2 miles. Offering durability and protection and a race-ready upper, the Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 is a fantastic option for runners searching for a great-looking shoe that is equal parts fast and comfortable.

In recent years, we've seen the premium technologies of super shoes trickle on down to daily training running shoes, creating a category of shoes called "super trainers." These innovative running shoes are engineered to broaden the range of runners who can enjoy the efficiency benefits of carbon-plated racing shoes by incorporating these technologies into more comfortable and accommodating packages. While we recommend slowly transitioning into carbon-plated trainers to avoid injury, these shoes offer more comfort-oriented features and customisable fits than other carbon-plated shoes and bring the benefits of carbon fibre running shoes to your everyday runs. We are still in the early stages of super trainers, but some brands have come hot off the blocks and given us excellent options that make running faster for longer easier than ever.

The New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trainer v3 leads the pack in the super trainer category thanks to its highly efficient ride and premium technology. Boasting a dual layer of ultra-soft and bouncy FuelCell foam, combined with a carbon-plated EnergyArc, the SC Trainer v3 delivers a race-day feel underfoot with a more comfortable and accommodating fit. Long runs have never been easier, and best of all, the increased efficiency decreases recovery time, meaning your legs will feel fresh day in and day out.

With the growing popularity and proven performance benefits of carbon-plated road shoes, it was only a matter of time before the hype made its way to the trails. Here are the top trail running shoes with carbon fibre plates.

Seen on the feet of Tom Evans when he won the 2023 Western States 100, the adidas Terrex Speed Ultra is an innovative trail racing shoe that delivers everything needed for ultimate performance on race day.

The midsole features Lightstrike Pro Foam, which not only provides runners with a lightweight and highly responsive experience but also ensures protection over the long miles of an ultramarathon. To enhance energy return with each step, adidas incorporates TPE energy rods in the midsole, propelling you forward while adapting to uneven terrain.

Due to the diverse conditions encountered on the trails, it is very difficult to find a trail running shoe that caters to the needs of every runner, but if you're looking for an innovative option that will help you turn in your fastest times, it's hard to think of a better place to start than the adidas Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra.

Carbon-plated running shoes have a thin carbon fibre plate (hence the name) embedded in the midsole foam of the shoe. This plate works in tandem with the foam to act like a springboard at toe-off to propel the wearer forward. When that propulsion is combined with speed, runners experience an increase in running efficiency, which leads to faster times. And in a sport where every second counts, any advantage is going to be sought after. Therefore, carbon-plated shoes have become immensely popular in the running community and can be widely seen at any given race.

You don't need to be a professional runner to experience the benefits of running in carbon-plated shoes. While many of these shoes only display their full potential at speed, most super shoes provide effects on pace and speed that any runner can benefit from. Most carbon-plated shoes are best suited for serious runners who want to run fast and prioritise finishing times. However, they can still provide significant efficiency gains to runners across a wide range of experience levels. Want to learn more? Read our article: Are Super Shoes for Everyone?

Every few months, our team of product experts meet to discuss our "Best of" lists to ensure we are giving our customers the most up-to-date information available. We round-table each category and then come to a consensus, based upon our knowledge of the tech that's put into the shoes and our first-hand experiences of putting miles in them.