Carbon Fiber Super Shoe Comparison
Adidas Adizero Adios Pro (FULL REVIEW)
Drop: 8.5 mm
Classification: Marathon Racing Shoe / Carbon Fiber Plated Training Shoe
Adidas Adizero Pro (FULL REVIEW)
Drop: 10 mm
Asics Metaracer (FULL REVIEW)
Weight: 6.6 oz (men's size 9), 5.7 oz (women's size 8)
Stack Height: 30 mm / 21 mm
Drop: 9 mm
Classification: Mid Distance Carbon Fiber Plated Racing Flat
Brooks Hyperion Elite (FULL REVIEW)
Specifications (per Running Warehouse)
Weight: 6.9 oz
Stack Height: 33mm / 25mm
Drop: 8 mm
Classification: Carbon Fiber Racing Flat
The Brooks Hyperion Elite is the firmest and most stable of these shoes. With a firm DNA ZERO midsole, an aggressive toe spring and a very evident propulsive plate, the Hyperion Elite may be best for shorter distances from 5k to half marathon. The upper has a little more room than others, yet breathable and supportive with structure only in a few places (toe guard and very thin strip of a heel counter in the rear) featuring a snug heel and midfoot and wider forefoot. The ride is fast and features the most prominent feeling plate of this category. The plate also contributes to one of the most stable rides of these shoes along with a few other features that provide very mild stability. The firmness may limit the versatility of this shoe to shorter races for most people. For those looking for a firm and aggressive racing shoe, the Brooks Hyperion Elite may work best for you.
Hoka Carbon X (FULL REVIEW)
Specifications (per Running Warehouse)
Weight: 8.8 oz
Stack Height: 35mm / 30 mm
Drop: 5mm
Classification: Carbon Fiber Lightweight Trainer / Marathon Racer
The Hoka Carbon X was included in this review as it has been seen frequently on the feet of elite Hoka athletes. For those looking for a less aggressive racer/trainer, the Hoka Carbon X offers a gentle transition into this footwear category. Featuring a special plate designed for efficiency and stability, the Carbon X can pick up the pace, but is limited due to its weight to long distance racing, workouts and training miles. The Carbon X has the most forgiving ride of the above mentioned shoes and features a comfortable and breathable upper that should work for a variety of people. For those looking for a shoe that doubles as a training shoe yet can still pick up the pace, the Hoka Carbon X is worth a look.
Nike Vaporfly Next% (FULL REVIEW)
Specifications (per Running Warehouse)
Weight: 6.6 oz
Stack Height: 40 mm / 32 mm
Drop: 8 mm
Classification: Carbon Fiber Racing Flat
The Nike Vaporfly Next% is the current version of the original super foam carbon fiber racer, the Nike Vaporfly. The ZoomX foam is the softest by far of the shoes listed here. The upper is a thin yet strong vaporweave mesh that holds the foot well, yet can crinkle and cause pressure points. There is a thick heel counter in the back that provides decent lock down. The full length carbon fiber plate is aggressive but is offset by the softer cushioning. Many will find this shoe best for 10k to full marathon, although is aggressive enough to be used in 5k races (the 5k road world record was set in this shoe). For those that like a soft and bouncy ride that have very stable mechanics, this is the classic distance racer you should look for.
Nike Air Zoom Alphafly Next% (INITIAL REVIEW)
Specifications (per Nike)
Weight: 7.4 oz
Stack Height: not provided
Drop: 4mm
Classification: Carbon Fiber Marathon Racer
Although not widely available to the public yet (except on ebay for
>$500), the Nike Air Zoom Alphafly Next% made its debut at the 2020
US Olympic Marathon Trials. This shoe is by far the most cushioned and
protective shoe of the bunch. With the most stack height of any of the
shoes, the thickest carbon fiber plate and two Air pods in the forefoot,
this shoe will provide the most protection over long distance racing.
Thanks to its size, it can be a little clunky over shorter distance
races and is best used for the half to full marathon distances. The
upper is the most breathable with an Atomknit upper and it also fits a
little on the wider side (most people are sizing down a 1/2 size).
However, those with stability needs should be cautious given the tall
stack height.
Saucony Endorphin Pro (FULL REVIEW)
Specifications (per Saucony)
Weight: 7.4 oz
Stack Height: 35.5 mm / 27.5 mm
Drop: 8 mm
Classification: Marathon Racing Shoe
The Saucony Endorphin Pro is the goldilocks of this group of shoes. The PWRUN PB peba sole combined with the Speed Roll creates a very smooth ride that will carry you for miles. The PWRUN PB peba sole is not the softest or the firmest of the group but sits in the middle with great rebound and slightly firmer cushioning than ZoomX or HYPER. The sole really comes to life when you pick up the pace as the Speed Roll technology really works well to keep your hips forward and a high turnover. The upper is extremely comfortable and fits a little wider than the rest group (so some may need to lace lock the shoe). Given the smoothness of the ride and responsive sole, the Endorphin Pro will work best from 10k to full marathon distances (although I have won a 5k in them). Best for long miles when you are trying to maintain a pace, the Endorphin Pro can go as fast as you want, but gets additional points for being one of the more comfortable fitting and riding shoes of this group.
Skechers GOrun Speed Elite Hyper (FULL REVIEW)
Specifications (per Running Warehouse)
Weight: 6.0 oz (men's size 9)
Stack Height: 23mm / 19 mm
Drop: 4 mm
Classification: Carbon Fiber Racing Flat
The Skechers GOrun Speed Elite Hyper features a H-shaped carbon fiber plate, a snug but very lightweight upper and full HYPER BURST cushioning. The Speed Elite is the lightest member of the super shoe category, yet still remains a versatile shoe. The H plate and HYPER cushioning do allow for fast paced runs at 5k pace and below, while the HYPER cushioning allows for the maintenance of consistent paces up to the marathon. For those looking for the lightest weight with a snug upper, great ground feel but really great cushioning, the Skechers GOrun Speed Elite Hyper should be on your try on list.
Xtep 160X (FULL REVIEW)
Drop: unknown
Classification: Marathon Racing Shoe
CONCLUSION
TESTER PROFILES
Dr. Klein is a 140 lb male with notable PRs of 14:45 for 5k and 2:32:44 for the full marathon. He typically runs 70-100 miles per week and trains at a variety of paces from 8min per mile recovery runs to 4:40 per mile 1k repeats. He prefers firmer and responsive shoes with snug heels and medium to wide toe boxes. He is particular to less cushioned shoes and close to the ground shoes, but can handle a little cushion when he gets beat up. IG handle: @kleinrunsdpt
Thanks for reading!