It’s been now 3 years since I started running in carbon plated running shoes. My first pair back in 2019 was a pair of Nike Zoom Fly Flyknits. Well there where not many options for carbon plated shoes in 2019 actually it was Nike and no one else. Since Nike running shoes fit me I’m staying loyal to the company when it comes to carbon plated shoes, more or less.
I also tried shoes from other companies, such with carbon plates and also models without the plate in the midsole. But to be honest, when it comes to a special workout before a race that I have on my schedule or a longrun, I still use the Nike Zoom Fly, only a newer model and in the last 2 years I ran all of my races in the Nike Vaporfly’s.
A lot of research has been done on this so called super shoes
Over the last few years all major players in running produce at least one pair. Most companies two or more pairs: one or two race options and also training shoes with carbon plates. But it’s not just the carbon plate that makes the difference, it’s the combination of the plate and the midsole material, that work together hand in hand.
I recommend you start your journey with carbon plated running shoes with a pair that’s intended as a training shoe. Normally there’s a firmer midsole foam in such shoes, a softer plate, a wider platform or a combination of that and you will get used to them faster.
Putting the shoes on might feel strange at first, they are not made to walk in. But as soon as you start running you will feel a sensation, like a force that pushes you forward. It’s the combination of all the foam that has a great energy return and the curved plate that will make you feel like you are running on a slight decline.
You will get much faster on your toes and you will feel that you need less effort to run at the same pace as in other running shoes and after a longer run there will be even more benefits: your legs will feel fresher the next day.
But carbon plated running shoes are not for everyone.
You need to keep in mind that these shoes have been developed for the world’s top athletes, not for everyday runners as you and me. They are not comfortable to run in and they will force you to run different than you are used to.
While running in this super shoes your calf and hamstring muscles will work more, it will different than in all the other running shoes you have. If you are a heel striker as I am they will also slightly change the way you land on the ground. It will be much closer to your midfoot that you are used to.
All the top end carbon plated shoes are race shoes intended mostly for marathon running but you will see them on feet of athletes on races from 5k up to the marathon. As such they need to be lightweight. Since the midsole is thick the only way to make the shoes light was to build a narrower base. They are high and narrow and as such not the most stable running shoe.
How to start using carbon plated running shoes
With all that in mind don’t buy a pair of super shoes a month or two before your first marathon, do 1 or 2 runs in them and use them on race day. Well, the shoes don’t need time to break in, they are good to go out of the box. But your legs, actually your whole body is not prepared to run a marathon in such shoes.
The right way is to buy a pair of the shoes you think will work best for you. Go to a running shoe store who has a few models of these shoes and try out different models. You should decide on a pair that fits best and then buy it. But before you race in the shoe go out and do a few runs in them. I would suggest that you need at least 100 – 200 kilometers in the shoes before you use them in your first race. If that will be a marathon try to go for 400 – 500 kilometers instead.
Since these shoes last only about 200 – 400 kilometers before the midsole looses the springiness you’ll feel in each step, you’ll probably need 2 pairs. One for your training runs and the other pair for maybe one or two runs and for race day.
So if you are looking to join all the runners who run today in super shoes be smart. I know they are expensive but if you decide to join the party you will probably need at least two pairs before considering running your first marathon in them. So pick one model, run in it and if it works for you … you know what they say: don’t change what works.
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