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Home » Running Shoe Reviews »

Featured Shoe Guides

Carbon plated running shoes have taken the running space by storm and now they’re not just in elite racing shoes. We’re seeing them for added support in trail shoes, extra speed in super trainers and more. Our team has put them to the test at a variety of paces to help you find the right ones.

Carbon Plate Shoes

10 Best Carbon Plate Running Shoes 2026

Understanding Running Shoe Foams | TPU, EVA, PEBA and More

Brooks Hyperion Elite 4 PB Review | Shaving Minutes

Hoka Mafate X Review | Winning 100 Milers and Our Daily Runs

Hoka Skyward X Review | The Everyday Runner’s Carbon Shoe

Nike Vaporfly 4 Review | Narrowly Faster

Nike Zoom Fly 6 Review | The Four Hour Marathon Shoe

Puma Deviate Nitro 3 Review | 200 Mile Update

On Cloudboom Strike Review | Good for Many Paces

Carbon Plated Running Shoes

ASICS Sonicblast 2 Review | A Light and Bouncy Shoe That Makes You Want to Run Faster

We tested the ASICS Sonicblast 2 on a 5k, a 14-mile long run, and easy miles to see if this bouncy, plated trainer can handle more than just speed work.

Adidas Adizero Pro 5 Review | A Faster, More Stable Marathon Super Shoe

The Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 5 feels like the shoe Adidas has been working toward for the last few years. The brand has its wildly fast, incredibly stripped down Adizero…

Hoka Tecton X 4 Review: Two Carbon Plates, Big Speed and One Catch

The Hoka Tecton X 4 is a lightweight, energetic trail super shoe with dual carbon plates and plenty of pop. Our review covers its trail performance, fit, stability, and who…

New Balance SuperComp Elite v6 Review | Bouncy, Lightweight, and Race Ready

The New Balance SuperComp Elite v6 combines a lightweight build with a bouncy, responsive ride that feels fast without being overly aggressive. Our review covers the fit, ride, stability, and…

New Balance SuperComp Rebel Review | A Super Trainer That Feels Race Ready

We tested the New Balance SuperComp Rebel, a fun, bouncy super trainer that delivers race day speed at a more approachable price and comes in wide.

Topo Specter Elite Review: A Fast, Roomy Alternative to Narrow Super Shoes

New to Topo's lineup, the Specter Elite is quickly becoming a favorite among runners. Our full review breaks down what makes it a winner.

Best Running Shoes Of 2026 | We Tested 100+ Models So You Don’t Have to

The best running shoes right now after thousands of miles of testing from our team. We've got options for every need.

Are Carbon Plated Running Shoes Overrated? What the Research Says

Do carbon plated running shoes really make you faster? We dig into the latest research to see who benefits from super shoes and whether they're worth it.

On Didn’t “Fix” the Cloudboom Strike 2. They Made The Original Better.

Fast, firm, and seriously fun, the On Cloudboom Strike 2 pairs upgraded foam with a full length carbon plate for a responsive race day ride.

Merrell MTL SpeedARC Peak | Doesn’t Feel Like a Road Shoe in Disguise

The Merrell MTL SpeedARC Peak is an elite trail racing shoe designed specifically for off road performance, not a road racing shoe adapted for the trails.

Under Armour Velociti Elite 3 | A 2 Time Boston Winning Shoe

Read our Under Armour Velociti Elite 3 review to see how the Boston Marathon winning racer compares to today's most popular carbon plated shoes.

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

CEP's Optaspeed Bowtech dual carbon plates and Supercritical N+Foam deliver centered force distribution. Our testers found it shines on the track but leaves you wanting more cushion when the miles…

Saucony Endorphin Elite 3 Review: Ready to Hit Race Day PRs

Our Saucony Endorphin Elite 3 review: incredibly soft, surprisingly stable, and built to race. Here's everything you need to know before you buy.

VKTRY Insoles Review | Carbon Fiber Insoles for Athletes

Are you curious about carbon fiber, but love your current shoe? This VKTRY insoles review, will help breakdown how they feel and work.

Pacemaker Speed Review | Can a Budget Carbon Plate Shoe Actually Deliver

A budget carbon plate shoe that feels clunky at easy pace and genuinely exciting at speed? We tested the Pacemaker Speed so you know exactly what you are signing up…

Hoka Skyward X2 Review | A Great Update to One of the Best Shoes for Back of the Pack Runners

Big cushion, carbon plate, genuine fun on race day. The Hoka Skyward X2 delivers where it counts for heavier and back of the pack runners.

Mizuno Hyperwarp Elite Review | Ready for 3 Hour Marathon Performance

Another evolution in running from Mizuno, determined to earn back their spot as a top brand. The Mizuno Hyperwarp Elite absolutely does that.

The North Face VECTIV Pro 3 Review | Dual Carbon Plates, Big Speed, But Not Quite Perfect

Can 2 carbon plates improve performance? There are some hits and misses with the entirely redesigned The North Face Vective Pro 3.

Adidas Adios Pro EVO 3 Preview: Lightest Marathon Shoe Yet

The Adidas Adios Pro Evo 3 is a shoe for a very specific runner, the fastest. It's the lightest weight marathon shoe we've seen yet!

Mizuno Finally Made a Speed Shoe That Feels Controlled Enough for Everyday Runners to Love

The Mizuno Hyperwarp Pro is fast without feeling wild, cushioned without feeling too soft, and stable without feeling heavy.

Adidas Hyperboost Edge Review | Big Stack, Bold Look, Better Suited for Easy Days Than Fast Ones

Adidas Hyperboost Edge is a high stack super trainer with a premium price. Our honest review covers ride, who it works best for, and whether it earns a spot in…

New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trainer v3 Review | Another Strong MidPack Racer and Super Trainer

With a name this long it's no surprise the shoe isn't entirely sure if it's a daily trainer or a super trainer, either way we enjoyed the SuperComp Trainer V3

Kiprun Kipstorm Elite Review | A Carbon Plated Racer that Makes Fast Feel Approachable

Looking for a carbon plated race day shoe that feels stable and fast? We found it in the Kiprun Kipstorm Elite, a new to the US shoe.

Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 4 Review | The Carbon Racer That Wants to Be Your Go To

This carbon plated update is nailing some key updates for those who wanted a little softer feel. Our review of the Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 4

Salomon Phantasm 3 Review | Using Aerodynamics to Make a Better Race Shoe

Salomon is doing something fun and unique with the Phantasm 3, we're excited to see where this thinking leas us for future shoes.

Arc’teryx Sylan 2 Review | A Lightweight Carbon Plated Shoe That Rewards Speed

Looking for a carbon plated trail running shoe that's not overly bouncy, we think the Arc'teryx Sylan 2 hits!

TYR Valkyrie Speedworks Runner a Plated Trainer for Daily Miles

A plated trainer that will take you through a lot of daily runs without much thought, we like the TYR Speedworks runner as an all arounder.

Skechers Aero Razor Review | Stop Sleeping on Skechers Running Shoes

If pleasant surprise could be defined in shoe form, it would be the Skechers Aero Razor. It’s worth saying right away that I’ll be reaching for this shoe a lot.…

Hoka Cielo X1 3.0 Review | Hoka’s Fastest Carbon Race Shoe Yet

Lighter, faster, more stable where can they take the Hoka Cielo X1 3 next? We're not sure but we can't wait to find out because it's all good.

Puma Deviate Nitro 4 Review | The Best Value Super Trainer You’re Not Wearing

Can one shoe replace many shoes? The Puma Deviate Nitro 4 is sure trying with its blend of cushion and speed that our team loved.

Saucony Endorphin Pro 5 Review | The Carbon Plated Racer for Everyone

Saucony Endorphin Pro 5 is still one of the best carbon plate shoes for everyday runners. Fast, comfortable, and versatile enough for training and race day.

Saucony Endorphin Azura Preview | Unsure of It’s Place

A new shoe always gets us excited, but we're not sure what mark this actually hits. Our Saucony Azura preview as part of the Endorphin line.

Saucony Endorphin Pro 5 Preview | Upgraded Plate Made for Speed

Our team previews the Saucony Endorphin Pro 5's style updates and new bouncier carbon plate. Discover how the latest design changes and enhanced plate technology elevate this race-day shoe's performance…

CEP Pro Run Omnispeed BowTech Review | A Mixed Bag

We love when brands take big swings, but CEP Pro Run Omnispeed needs some fine tuning in fit before it gets our approval.

Puma Deviate Nitro 3 Review | 200 Mile Update

A complete Puma Deviate Nitro 3 review from the good of the speed, to the not so great of the fit. Find out if it's a winner for you.

ASICS Sonicblast Review | A Plated Trainer for The Middle of the Pack

A PEBAX plated cushioned shoe for the middle of the pack, the Asics Sonicblast is a shoe that can take you through many paces feeling solid.

Hoka Mach X3 Review | Finally Worth the Hype, Grab This Shoe

The Hoka Mach X3 is a versatile shoe winner for the mid-pack runner, they've listened to runner feedback and it's the best version yet.

New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v5 Review | A Leaner, Meaner, Marathon Racer

Supercomp elite V5 is a winning leap forward for speed, but loses some of it's cushion and increased stack height means not everyone will love.

Best Marathon Shoes for Beginners Who Just Want to Finish Strong

Check out our list of the best marathon shoes for beginners that prioritize comfort over speed and find out when a plated option is right!

On Cloudboom Max Review | Super Shoe for Average Runners

Our review of the all new On Cloudboom Max nylon plated running shoe designed for the middle of the pack to enjoy all the speed, bounce and comfort of a…

Craft Kype Pro Review | Carbon Speed Without the Marshmallow Feel

The Craft Kype Pro is a shoe that doesn’t wait around to make a statement. From the first stride, it felt fast, aggressive, and built for business — like it…

Brooks Hyperion Elite 5 Review | Carbon Plated Flexibility from 10K to Marathon

Finding a super shoe that can handle the 10k and the marathon isn't easy, but the Brooks Hyperion Elite 5 has nailed the overall feel

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Amanda Brooks is a Certified Running Coach, Certified Personal Trainer and long time distance runner with a passion for every facet of running, which leads her to do more reading, research and running than necessary. Find all the tips, tricks and tools you need from this running coach for your best injury free running. Read More…

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