The question of whether carbon shoes effectively serve their purpose is one that almost no one asks anymore. So we let that question pass in the article below. But what explains its success? Are they suitable for everyone? Which carbon shoe is best? Read more.
August 2016. Eliud Kipchoge captures his first Olympic marathon title in a fluorescent yellow shoe with a remarkably thick(er) sole. It was an immediate entry past the big gate for the famous “carbon shoes. Now, seven years later, the running world still can’t shut up about these speed makers.
Meanwhile, the range of carbon shoes is large AND relatively accessible, making them appear on every street run. What else should you know about this notable product group?
Are carbon shoes suitable for everyone?
In the beginning, it was stated that carbon shoes were only for the absolute best . Meanwhile, that belief – partly due to the undeniable effect of carbon shoes – has often been dismissed by the general public. According to the organizers of the London Marathon, as many as half of the 45,000 participants appeared at the start with a carbon shoe.
Despite the fact that the wearing of carbon shoes is becoming increasingly standardized, research shows that runners who land on their mid- or forefoot and run at least 14 km/u benefit the most . Whether slower runners and heelers will not benefit is admittedly unsaid.
Runners who benefit from extra stability* best watch how frequently they use these racing shoes. The thickness of the sole and the absence of extra support can encourage overpronation, the excessive clicking inward with the ankle. This, in turn, can lead to injuries. By the way, those who like to run with a direct shoe will also have to get used to the softness of the foam in carbon shoes.
*In the meantime, there is plenty of experimentation with stable(er) pace shoes. You can read more about that here.
What accounts for the success of carbon shoes?
One important aspect already lies in the name itself. The stiffness of the carbon plate almost forces you to run faster . However, this curvy plate does not deserve all the credit. The foam also plays a very important role.
The resilient foam provides appreciable energy return with every push-off. In addition, it captures much of the impact on your muscles and joints so you experience much less muscle pain afterwards. Less muscle pain, means faster recovery and therefore a green light to run more. Being able to handle more kilomtersobviously has a significant impact on performance.
Is it true that carbon shoes do not last long?
Short, but powerful. That’s how you could describe the longevity of carbon shoes. It is certainly true that these racing pilots do not last forever. To whom should we point the finger? Not to the carbon plate, but to the outsole, the rubber on the bottom. To reduce the weight of the shoe, only a small amount is applied. As a result, the surface quickly comes into contact with the foam and loses its qualities. Depending on your running style, weight and surface, carbon shoes last about 300 to 600 kilometers .
Are there any disadvantages to running on carbon shoes?
As always, “too much” of something is never good. Running on carbon shoes too often is no exception. Advanced technologies allow your running style to change slightly. The thick sole can also cause extra stress on your calves and hamstrings , increasing the risk of injury. Because carbon shoes force you to seek higher tempos, overuse can occur. So save these quick flashes for those times when you really want to perform and work your workouts primarily with a training shoe.
Is the Nike Vaporfly and Alphafly still the primus of the class?
“If you want to break your PR, you should buy a Nike Vaporfly or Nike Alphafly.” This proposition was long suggested. Nike therefore had sole dominance for the first few years. Their two showpieces almost snatched all the podium places and records. Over the past two years, their supremacy has come to an end .
Hellen Obiri won the Boston marathon with On’s carbon shoe. The men’s podium was completely dominated by the adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3. Bashir Abdi raced to his second fastest time ever on Asics‘ Metaspeed Edge+ carbon shoe in Rotterdam. And so we can go on and on. By now, the technical code to combine a responsive foam with a carbon plate has been cracked by every esteemed brand. Despite some differences in the hardness/softness of materials, the position of the carbon plate… there is no carbon shoe that really has the upper hand at the moment.
Want a look at the carbon shoes currently dominating the track?
Want to experience the benefits of carbon shoes before investing in them? At the Runners’ lab Experience Center* in Deurne, Antwerp you can. You can try out different test models of competition and training shoes outdoors. For example, the adidas Adios Pro 3 and very soon the Asics Metaspeed Sky+ are showing off in the test wall there.
Interested in taking advantage of this unique concept? Stop by during opening hours, speak to an advisor and take your chosen pair for a run around outside to find out if the shoe is for you. Afterwards, return the shoe.
*The test wall is a unique concept from the Runners’ lab store in Antwerp. Other Runners’ lab locations are not equipped with this service.
