Buying Super Shoes? Read This First

Since Nike introduced the first carbon-plated shoe in 2016, interest in these high-performance shoes — which are designed to help runners go much, much faster — has skyrocketed.

Today, most elite runners wear these so-called super shoes in races ranging from 5Ks to marathons. But when it comes to everyday, non-elite runners, is it worth investing in these shoes, which come with a premium price tag?

We spoke with a couple of shoe experts at Saucony headquarters and another at Fleet Feet in St. Louis to get the scoop.

How Super Shoes Work
A lot of effort goes into these shoes. Brands source materials from the aerospace and automotive industries and continuously experiment with designs.

“We might make three or four iterations [of one shoe], with different plates, different components, trying to figure out what the right ingredients are to deliver what customers are looking for,” says Ted Fitzpatrick, Saucony’s vice president of product merchandising and sports marketing.

The brand also relies on a large team of testers who log extensive miles in shoes before they hit the market. “We have probably over 900 testers in our database, from elite athletes all the way down to people running seven-hour marathons,” says Luca Ciccone, Saucony’s director of product engineering.

Plated shoes offer better energy return, with the shoe acting like a loaded spring. “When we talk about ‘speed roll,’ that is that sensation that you get when you’re feeling like you’re being pushed forward on a run,” Ciccone explains. The foams surrounding the plate are quite soft, so they compress as you run, helping runners feel light and bouncy. Some even say it feels like they have pogo sticks on their feet, according to Ciccone. The plate also adds structure and stability to the soft, squishy foams, reducing the risk of injury.

Super shoes can aid in recovery, too. “They can help reduce overall loading on the muscle fibers,” says Ray Easterling, a store manager and running coach at Fleet Feet. “You’re able to recover much more quickly from long or hard runs.” Fitzpatrick agrees, noting that he often receives feedback that runners in super shoes feel more efficient during their runs and fresher and less tired the next day.

 

What to Consider When Buying
The world of plated running shoes has become diverse, and it now includes specialized models. Some, like the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v5, are ultra-lightweight and designed for race day performance. These nylon-plated shoes tend to be lighter with less rubber on the outsole.

As Easterling explains, racing shoes don’t last as long. They also might feel less comfortable than non-plated shoes. “Race day shoes are built to go fast,” says Easterling. “It’s like driving a Ferrari. If you want to get there quickly, they’re great. But for long runs and comfort, they might not be the best choice.”

These high-end shoes are also quite expensive. The FuelCell retails for $265, while Saucony’s lightest plated racing shoe, the Endorphin Elite 2, costs $290.

For those seeking a durable shoe for everyday training that can also give a boost on race day, Saucony’s Endorphin Speed 5 could be a good option. It features a nylon plate, which is less stiff than carbon, to add more comfort and cushioning. Ciccone says it’s popular among runners for tempo and speed workouts. Priced at $175, it’s one of the most accessible plated shoes.

In recent years, brands have also begun using glass fiber plates. “They offer degrees of propulsion as well, but they do it in a more foot-friendly way,” explains Easterling. “They’re slightly more plush underfoot but still provide some spring.” Mizuno’s Wave Rebellion Flash 2 is a popular model with this technology.

You might not want to read this next part, but it could be worth investing in more than one pair of plated shoes. “The wider the shoe rotation that you have, I feel like it’s better overall for anybody,” says Ciccone. “It makes sure that you’re exercising all those tiny muscle groups that might activate differently on one shoe compared to another.” Even different plated models from the same brand can work different parts of your body, helping prevent injury.

Ultimately, choosing a running shoe — plated or not — is a personal decision. Everyone’s feet are different, and fit and feel vary from brand to brand. That’s why Easterling recommends getting a foot scan at a shop like Fleet Feet to find the right shoe for you and your body. Says Easterling: “That makes a big difference in how successful you’re going to be with a given shoe.”

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Plated Power
A few of our favorite super shoes.

Best for Logging Miles: New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trainer v3 ($190)

Built for runners putting in the work, with enough durability to take you from training to race day.

 

Best for Support: Mizuno Neo Vista ($100)

The midfoot contact point supports the runner’s calf, while the midsole delivers ample cushion.

 

Best for Race Day: Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 ($290)

With an ultra-lightweight design and propulsive feel, this shoe delivers when you have a need for speed.

Author: Mary Andino is a contributor to Terrain.

Top image: The Saucony Endorphin Elite 2. (Saucony)