Every product is carefully selected by our editors. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission.
Science Says Carbon Fiber Shoes Mean Faster Times, but Can They Work for You?
The market for performance-enhancing carbon-plated kicks is growing, but the top offerings differ in critical ways.
By
Cory Smith
What do a car, boat and plane have in common? If you’re thinking an engine, you’re right. However, despite having a common denominator, you wouldn’t use a car to fly or a boat on the roads; their use cases are very specifically built. Carbon fiber plated running shoes are similar. While not as obvious as the preceding example, each carbon fiber shoe is designed for a certain type of runner.
Believe it or not, the first carbon fiber running shoe debuted over 15 years ago when Adidas experimented with improving their popular racing shoe, the AdiStar. In an effort to boost performance, researchers introduced a thin carbon fiber plate to the midsole of the shoe. While the precise mechanics weren’t totally understood at the time, it’s now thought that carbon fiber plates help reduce energy lost as the big toe bends during toe-off.
The most notable and publicized carbon fiber shoe is the Nike Vaporfly 4%, and righfully so. Between its independently researched confirmed performance benefits and crazy fast marathon times, that shoe above all others makes ya wonder, “Could I benefit from a pair?”
In total, six carbon fiber running shoes are out now, with more on the way: the Nike ZoomX Vaporfly NEXT%, Nike Zoom Fly 3, Nike Vaporfly 4% Flyknit, Hoka One One Carbon X, Hoka One One Carbon Rocket and New Balance FuelCell 5280.
As I mentioned above, each of these shoes is quite different in build and purpose. Before dropping as much as $250 on a pair of running shoes, you need to consider factors such as your running pace, running mechanics and race distance. If you don’t, the result could be as useless as buying a car for a day on the lake.
Nike ZoomX Vaporfly NEXT%
Best Race Day Shoe for Competitive Runners
If you’re a well-trained runner gunning for a personal record in any distance, 5k to marathon, the Nike ZoomX Vaporfly NEXT% is hands-down a shoe you must consider. As a full-time running coach, I have yet to see anything legal that can have a greater immediate impact on race day. One caveat, though: it’s not for everyone. All the studies confirming its efficiency gains have been done on elite/competitive runners who tend to be extremely well-trained and have dialed-in running mechanics. The geometry of the shoe is geared for a midfoot to forefoot runner. A very soft and narrow heel base offers little in the way of stability for a rear-footed runner (a.k.a. heel striker). I doubt the recreational runner would see the same benefits as the runners in the studies. So I generally say if you’re in the realm of Boston Marathon qualifier or beyond, this shoe is worth the high price tag. Best to save these for raceday only; they last a fraction of the miles of your typical running shoe.
As race pace slows and the Nike ZoomX Vaporfly NEXT% starts to lose its magic, the Hoka One One Carbon X begins to shine. The wide platform underfoot creates a stable, forgiving landing zone for those with less than perfect running mechanics. While the Carbon X doesn’t carry the same research-backed gains as the Vaporfly, it will offer race-day performance benefits over your everyday training shoe. For starters, odds are it’s considerably lighter than that sneaker, meaning less weight you must lug through every footstep.
As I was a miler in college, this shoe has a special place in my heart. New Balance designed the FuelCell 5280 with help from one of the best female milers in the world, Jenny Simpson. Named 5280 for the number of feet in a mile, its profile resembles a sprinter’s track spike: very minimal cushioning with a stiff rocker under the forefoot. The aggressive geometry all but forces a forefoot strike, making it ideal for short maximum efforts such as the mile and below – less so for anything longer. Coming in at 5.3oz, it’s considerably lighter than the 6.6oz Nike Vaporfly 4%, giving it the edge as race distances get shorter and comfort becomes less of a concern. Just ask Simpson: the eight-time Fifth Avenue Mile champ wore the 5280 while setting the course record last year.
If you’re absolutely head over heels in love with Nike’s Vaporfly 4% and NEXT% and can’t imagine anything faster than your normal pace in anything but, I highly recommend their brother here, which will save you money in the long run. See, the Nike Zoom X midsole on the Vaporfly breaks down extremely quickly, so if you train in them regularly, you could find yourself spending $250 a month on shoes. Meanwhile, the Nike Zoom Fly 3 features a more durable midsole called Nike React while still offering the elusive curved carbon fiber plate. Furthermore, the Zoom Fly 3 has a wider heel base and less of a rocker than the NEXT%, giving it a friendlier and more stable ride you’ll appreciate training in day after day. Did I mention it’s also more than a hundred bucks cheaper?
The V10 used to be Dyson's top-tier stick vacuum, but it was eventually replaced by the slightly more powerful (and much more expensive) V11. This makes the V10 a great value, as it's usually $150 less than the V11. Thanks to this sale, it's even a better value than the V11 right now.
If you are working out a lot, you're going to need more than one mask. Under Armour has created one of the best sports-specific masks and right now if you buy two you get a great deal.
Is anything left to be said about the Eames chair? This is one of the most iconic pieces of furniture to come out of the 20th century and is a must-have for any furniture aficionados (if you can afford it).
Hydro Flask really needs no introduction at this point, so when you can get a 32-ounce wide mouth with its Temp-Shield insulation at 25 percent off, you do it.
When you're not using it, it functions just like any other mirror in your house. When you turn it on, Mirror reveals an LCD panel with stereo speakers and access to hundreds of workout classes.
If you're a student, there's never been a better time to get a Hulu subscription. The discount also doesn't expire — it lasts as long as you're enrolled as a student.
Yeti mugs are some of our favorites and any time one goes on sale, we jump on it because they usually end up selling out fast. This mug might be perfect.
The Killshot OG SP offers all the low-key design appeal of its better-known counterpart, with some serious throwback flair added in for good measure. And right now, it's under 50 bucks.
Todd Snyder's collaborations with Timex always hit. Paired with a vintage military-inspired band, this bullseye design is straight from the Timex archives.
These cotton percale sheets boast a 270 thread count and always stay cool — perfect for hot sleepers. Brooklinen is one of our go-to's for linens, especially at 15 percent off.
Gore-Tex uppers and Primaloft insulation combined with the classic Bean Boot silhouette make this a no brainer for deep winter, whether you're digging out the driveway or stomping around in puddles.
Sonos’s entry-level soundbar that doubles as a smart speaker and normally costs $399 is now sold refurbished for a big price drop, taking the sting out of the original price.
Adidas used sustainable Parley Primeblue material to make its Primeknit upper even better, then combined it with Boost midsoles to make the ultimate earth-conscious workout shoe.
The Jabra Elite Active 65t are sports-focused headphones (IP56) with better great sound quality for listening to music and taking calls. Also compatible with Siri, Alexa or Google Assistant, this is one of our top picks for sports-focused earbuds.
This humble watch cap from Todd Snyder is made and designed in Japan using traditional and modern manufacturing techniques, guaranteeing you get the quality you expect.
If you want to stay cozy but are tired of sweatpants, flannel-lined pants are the move. The warmth of flannel and the style of a chino combine like marshmallows and hot chocolate.
Keep an eye on your home from anywhere with these surveillance cameras from Google Nest. 24/7 motion and sound alerts are pushed to the free Nest app, giving you the ease of mind you expect from a security system.
An elegant addition to your office, lounge, or bedroom, this watch winder keeps your automatic watches powered with up to 1,200 turns per day and three different rotational directions.
This humidifier brings a cool mist to whichever room you need it and can diffuse essential oils if you want to add a scent. It comes with a remote, 12-hour timer, and clean tank technology to prevent the build-up of mold and mildew.
Chaco bolstered its original Z sandal with a pillow-top footbed and dubbed the new version the Z/Cloud. Everything you want from Chaco — a sturdy and simple sandal — with next-level comfort.
Whether you want to move some of your most frequently used herbs indoors or don't have space outside for a garden, the AeroGarden Harvest is a perfect solution, with clearance for up to a foot of growth and room for 6 plants that grow five times faster than soil.
This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io
