2 Plates, 1 Big Question: Is the CEP Optaspeed Bowtech Built for Your Race Distance

CEP is opting into the shoe game, having released their first racing shoe, the Pro Run Omnispeed Bowtech, in May of 2025. But CEP is back with their supertrainer take, the Pro Run Optaspeed Bowtech. The shoe landed on my doorstep a few weeks ago, and I was excited to see what updates their team made. 

You may be familiar with the brand CEP! This German company has been a hit with runners (myself included) since 2007 and is primarily known for their medical grade compression apparel.

I guarantee you’ll see many runners rocking their socks and calf sleeves in the starting corral of your next race!

The Optaspeed’s main differentiator is the twin carbon plates, which CEP promises will vastly increase energy return, helping runners to hold fast paces for longer.

They also claim it’s going to improve your form which will lead to greater running efficiency. Plus, the shoe offers steady stability, veering away from the bounce house feel of many shoes in 2025. 

Admittedly, I wasn’t the biggest fan of the Omnispeed Bowtech, but I had a lot of fun putting this shoe to the test. From easy efforts to track sessions and long runs, I threw it all at the shoe to see how it fits, feels, and performs! Let’s get into it. 

This is a moderately cushioned speed shoe that’s going to appeal to those seeking a racing flat experience. It’s ideal for those looking for stability and speed in shorter distances. It’s also designed to give you more ground contact for more power.

CEP Optaspeed Bowtech Overview

This new model from CEP is a performance-focused trainer built for runners who want a little extra speed without sacrificing control.

Its headline feature is the BowTech system, a unique dual-plate design that stores energy on landing and releases it during toe-off, helping create a smooth, propulsive ride.

Underfoot, CEP pairs responsive Supercritical N+Foam with a layer of EVA cushioning in the heel, giving the shoe a blend of bounce and comfort that works well across a variety of paces.

The geometry is designed to guide your stride and keep you centered throughout your run, creating a stable feel that should appeal to runners who don’t always love the wild ride of some modern super trainers.

And let’s be honest, the BowTech setup is unlike anything else on the market right now. Whether that’s a gimmick or a genuine performance enhancer is exactly what I wanted to find out when I started logging miles in the shoe.

When I unboxed this shoe, I had a deja vu moment, as it looks almost identical to the last CEP shoe I tested. But there are several key differences between the two.

The Optaspeed is considerably roomier and offers more cushion, which is a huge upgrade, as the Omnispeed felt restrictive and gave me a few blisters. Plus, the new upper is more stabilizing and rides a bit higher on the foot. It definitely has a more secure fit!

The available colorways are a touch head scratching, as you can choose super bold (neon yellow and bright red) or basic (white or black). Either way they give off the vibe of a very light track shoe, which is interesting since I found them most comfortable on the track. 

CEP Optaspeed Bowtech Fit

We can’t confirm that CEP read our review of the Omnispeed, but judging by the fit of the Optaspeed, they certainly listened to runners’ feedback.

The moment I slipped this shoe on, I noticed the plush heel. There’s a healthy amount of cushioning underfoot, along with padding around the collar that helps create a secure, comfortable fit.

Lockdown was excellent throughout testing, and I never experienced any heel slippage, even during faster efforts.

The segmented midsole makes the midfoot feel slightly firmer than the heel and forefoot, but the platform remains fairly accommodating through this section.

It doesn’t deliver a super snug, foot-wrapping fit, but I appreciated the extra space, especially on longer runs. That said, runners with wider feet may still find it a bit limiting.

The biggest improvement comes up front. The forefoot and toe box are noticeably roomier than the Omnispeed, giving your toes enough space to spread naturally without feeling sloppy. CEP recommends sizing up a half size, but I found the length spot-on in my usual Men’s 11.

All told, CEP nailed the fit here. It’s secure without feeling restrictive, comfortable without feeling bulky, and provides a confident foundation for what’s easily the most interesting part of this shoe: the ride.

CEP Optaspeed Bowtech Feel

The Optaspeed is undeniably fast, but comfort isn’t its strongest attribute.

Underfoot, CEP pairs a dual-density midsole with its supercritical N+ Foam in the forefoot, and there’s no question the setup delivers plenty of propulsion.

The shoe wants to move quickly. Once you pick up the pace, the combination of foam and BowTech plates creates an efficient toe-off that makes faster efforts feel natural.

That said, I was surprised by how firm the ride remained, especially considering CEP added more cushioning compared to the Omnispeed. On paper, the updated midsole sounds like it should create a softer experience.

In reality, I found myself preferring the shoe on treadmills and tracks, where the surface helped absorb some of the impact forces.

On pavement, the ride felt considerably harsher. Every footstrike produced a distinct smack against the ground, and after a while, those impacts began to add up. Ironically, the heavily cushioned heel was part of the issue for me. Rather than disappearing beneath my foot, it felt somewhat intrusive and made heel landings more noticeable than I’d prefer.

The upper follows a similar theme. It’s breathable and secure, but there’s simply a lot going on. The lightly padded, gusseted tongue is excellent and works beautifully with the lacing system to create a locked-in feel.

The upper never allowed my foot to move around, even during faster workouts. At the same time, it lacks the streamlined, barely-there sensation found in many modern super trainers. Instead, it feels more structured and substantial.

Part of me wonders if that’s intentional. Many super trainers and carbon plate race shoes have become so soft and aggressive that stability can become an issue.

CEP appears to have gone in the opposite direction, prioritizing security and control over softness and freedom. Some runners will likely appreciate that approach, but for me, it contributed to the feeling that there was simply a bit too much shoe underfoot.

For shorter workouts and uptempo efforts, I can absolutely see the appeal. The Optaspeed has plenty of speed and rewards runners who enjoy a firmer, more responsive ride. But for longer runs, my feet and legs were ready to move on after about an hour.

I wanted to love the Optaspeed. The fit is dramatically improved, the BowTech system is genuinely interesting, and there’s no denying the shoe can move. But at the end of the day, the firm ride kept me from wanting to lace it up for longer efforts. It’s a shoe with a clear identity, and runners who enjoy a more traditional, ground-connected feel may find a lot to like here.

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