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The Best Carbon Plated Running Shoes for a 5k - Half Marathon

It would be ridiculous to call these racing flats, some of them have the maximum legal stack height of 40mm under the heel, but they do follow on the tradition of the classic racing flat. Lighter, lower (in most cases) and faster across shorter distances, these are shoes that prioritise agility over extra cushioning.

03 Apr 2024
Ray Barlow

Representing the pinnacle of speed-oriented footwear, engineered to deliver maximum propulsion and efficiency for competitive runners. These lightweight shoes feature a stiff carbon plate embedded within the midsole, which acts as a lever to propel runners forward with each stride while minimizing energy loss.

The combination of the carbon plate and responsive foam cushioning provides an unparalleled level of energy return, allowing runners to maintain faster paces for longer durations. Ideal for races ranging from 5Ks to half marathons, they have become synonymous with elite performance and record-breaking achievements.

If you are looking for a different type of carbon plated shoe, please check our full article here!

adidas Adizero Takumi Sen 10

The oldest shoe on this list, the Takumi Sen was a wildly popular racing flat before the popularity of carbon plates and super foams changed the game. Moving with the times it now has a powerful stack of Lightstrike Pro foam, and the adidas carbon Energyrods system that replaces the standard plate. Individual rods follow each metatarsal, allowing your foot to flex more naturally, and individually. Despite the increased stack height, it still manages to come in under 200g in a men’s.

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HOKA Unisex Rocket X 2

With the plateless Cielo RD specifically designed for up to 10k races, and the Cielo X1 ready for marathon distances, the versatile Rocket X2 makes a perfect shorter distance race day shoe that features pinnacle technology. Even for Hoka, the meta-rocker is exaggerated, meaning the upward curve of the shoe starts very far back, so you get an immediate forward rolling sensation. Under the 1mm thick plate, a large cut out helps save weight.

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Mizuno Wave Rebellion Flash 2

Technically the Rebellion Flash 2 doesn’t belong in this list as its plate is Glass fibre not carbon fibre, but to leave this option out would be criminal. By shaping the shoe with enormous cut outs and unique geometries, Mizuno have manged to create a shoe that is stable, fast, and lightweight. One of the highest stacks of foam in this list, you get a propulsive feel that is tuned for shorter distance racing.

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Nike Vaporfly 3

The first of two shoes that appear in both the Super Shoe list, and the 5k – half marathon shoe list, the Vaporfly was developed as a marathon distance shoe, but since the rise of its younger brother the Alphafly it has seen a lot of use in the shorter distances. More agile and lighter than many other Super shoes, it still maintains a max stack of cushioning but features a prominent pop of power at the toe off, making it well suited to faster running styles. Nike also offer the Streakfly for racing at this distance but with no plate it doesn’t make this list.

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PUMA Fast-FWD Nitro Elite

he wildest looking design in this list, the Fast FWD uses cut outs below the plate to save weight, but also to allow the plate increased movement, for a more powerful pop of energy at toe-off. A minimalist upper relies on PWRTAPE to lock the foot in place and to reinforce where necessary. Combined with a lightweight, super critical nitrogen infused PEBA midsole you get impressive forward power in a shoe weighing less than 200g

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Ray Barlow

Having suffered from Chronic Fatigue for over a decade, I am a recent convert to the joys of running. Although every run steals a lot of energy, the mental health and fitness benefits more than make up for it. My runs are mainly across the back of the nearby beaches, dodging between the tourists. When not geeking out over the latest running tech, you can find me trying new gins, making gins, or boring anyone within earshot about gin.

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