Best Carbon Plated and Other Plated Running Shoes of 2025

Serious competition calls for serious shoes, and elite marathon shoes rise to that challenge. Shoes in this category blend feather-light designs with stiff plates to deliver the speed and energy return needed for peak performance. The adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo 2 shines as our top pick for runners chasing new records.

Having appeared on the podium at several major marathons, the Pro Evo 2 delivers next-level long-distance racing experience for any runner looking to hit their next PR. The midsole is packed with uncompressed Lightstrike Pro Evo superfoam, providing runners with a springy ride and outstanding energy return in every stride. Adidas amplifies this energy return even further through its adidas’ Energy Rods 2.0 plates.

These unique carbon fiber plates feature a forked design that mirrors the metatarsals of the foot, enabling lightning-quick turnover and powerful propulsion along with a rocker point that enhances the shoe’s running economy. At just 4.6 oz, it’s one of the lightest racing shoes ever made, and it’s our top pick for runners chasing their fastest finish yet.

For casual marathon runners looking to enjoy the ride, comfort and protection are key. This is especially true for those trying a plated shoe for the first time. A secure, cushioned ride helps ease the shift to the added propulsion of a plate without adding too much stiffness. PUMA’s Deviate Nitro Elite 3 is our top pick for recreational runners wanting a performance boost on race day without sacrificing comfort.

Built with a breathable, stretchy upper and lightweight, protective NITRO Elite FOAM midsole, these shoes are built to move comfortably. A grippy rubber outsole provides durability and increased traction throughout every mile, while a carbon PWRPLATE gives the shoe a sturdy, springy boost. Each stride transfers energy from the shoe’s foam to the plate, giving runners a snappy toe-off without sacrificing extra energy. From weekly long runs to the big day, the Deviate Nitro Elite 3 is built for every step of your marathon journey.

As “super shoe” technology enters everyday training footwear, a new category known as super trainers is rising in popularity. These shoes feature plated designs enhanced to take strain off your legs, rather than provide propulsion, making them great for long distances. For runners looking to maximize both performance and comfort, look no further than the Mizuno Neo Vista 2.

With over 50mm of Energy Foam in the heel, the Neo Vista offers a bouncy ride that makes the shoe feel like it's running for you. This highly cushioned heel stack works in tandem with a midsole built with Mizuno’s signature Wave Plate. Rather than propulsive carbon, Mizuno constructs this plate from Rilsan Nylon to spread the impact of your stride across a wider area within the shoe. The result is a stable and responsive platform with plush cushioning to keep you running with fresh legs longer. The Neo Vista captures what we love most in a super trainer, making it an excellent choice for going the distance.

Bridging the gap between trainers and racing shoes, performance trainers are built for sessions that focus on speed. These shoes combine fantastic up-tempo performance with durability for daily use, while still keeping a lightweight feel that won’t exhaust your feet. The Saucony Endorphin Speed stands out as our top pick among plated performance trainers, giving an extra boost to your training days.

Ultra-light and durable, this iconic trainer is powered by full-length winged nylon plates that are reimagined with increased heel rigidity and forefoot flexibility. The result is an updated design that enhances stability through turns and provides powerful propulsion. The shoe’s underfoot combines responsive PWRRUN PB cushioning with SPEEDROLL geometry, providing a plush, springy ride that naturally rolls you forward, increasing energy transfer and taking strain off your legs. Saucony’s ability to blend fast-paced propulsion with comfort and stamina makes the Endorphin Speed our top performance pick for speed-focused training sessions.

Finding a plated running shoe that delivers high performance without sacrificing comfort can be a challenge, especially for runners with wide feet. Designed with a more accommodating fit and available in wide widths, the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 (and the upcoming v5) combines top-tier tech with thoughtful comfort features for wide-footed runners chasing speed.

The FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 pairs 40mm of high-rebound FuelCell foam with a lightweight, breathable FantomFit mesh upper, delivering an ultra-responsive ride with a barely-there feel. Driving this shoe is an innovative Energy Arc carbon fiber plate that’s bowed for maximum propulsion. The unique plate works in tandem with a strategically engineered void in the midsole, allowing it to flex and snap back with explosive energy return. Lightweight, fast and efficient, it’s built for serious performance.

Plated shoes are high-performance footwear designed to maximize speed and efficiency. At the heart of each shoe is a rigid internal plate, typically carbon, that acts like a lever. As you land, the plate stores energy, which is then released at toe-off to propel you forward with less effort. Paired with lightweight, high-rebound foam, these shoes deliver a springy, responsive ride that helps runners maintain faster paces with reduced energy expenditure.

Initially made to add propulsion to road racing and elite marathon shoes, plates can also enhance other performance factors, including running economy and comfort. Plated shoes perform differently based on three main factors: plate length, material, and geometry.

While all plated shoes share common features, they differ greatly in terms of performance, comfort and durability. Whether you're chasing finish lines or simply looking to make runs easier, identifying what you want most out of your shoes will help decide which one is right for the job.

Elite Marathon Shoes

• Purpose: Max speed and race day performance
• Features: Ultra-lightweight, aggressive rocker geometry, stiff plates

Recreational Marathon Shoes

• Purpose: Accessible performance for everyday runners
• Features: Balanced cushioning, flexible plates, focus on comfort

Super Trainers

• Purpose: Efficiency, recovery support
• Features: Max cushioning, wider bases, plated stability

Performance Trainers

• Purpose: Fast training sessions, tempo runs
• Features: Durability for repeated use, moderate cushioning, partial or full-length plates

Ultra/Elite Trail Shoes

• Purpose: Off-road speed with added protection
• Features: Flexible plates, grippy outsoles, durable protection