What do you think about the shoes we’ve featured? Do any take your fancy? And how do you feel about the debate surrounding an unfair advantage for athletes who wear these shoes? Tell us in the comments:
I think if you ban carbon plates then you’d equally have to ban stuff like Boost from Adidas that was a game-changer in the marathon when it first came out and then keep going until everyone was running barefoot! In short I don’t think we should stand in the way of progress as long as it doesn’t make running something for the wealthy. Now all of the major brands have carbon plate shoes prices are starting to fall and something like the Hoka Rocket X is priced just like a regular premium running shoe has been for a while. I’ve got a pair of Rocket Xs, happy with them so far (they do have stupidly long laces) but keen to try the Adidas shoes in the future
Tried the metaracer and nike but the metaracer is my favorite by far. I run 100kms on them and still look like new shoes. Nike i had to return them after running 30km on them because the bottom part started to fall apart.
I think an advantage to an athlete but to those who cannot afford for expensive it will remain a dream. I hope I can receive like this shoes in Christmas like metaracer awesome and incredible.
The playing field has levelled out a lot now with all major manufacturers having a carbon fibre option. I like the look of the Adidas adizero adios pro but for value the Hoka rocket x looks a good bet.
For me the Adios Pro and the Endorphin Pro have become my favourite racers with both slightly edging the Next%. As mentioned informatively in the video this can vary depending on running mechanics, shape of foot, weight etc.
Just a quick note. Contrary to gossip the Nike curved plate doesn't act as a spring but a lever stiffening the MTP ( big toe ) joint and transferring force through to the more mobile ankle joint. While this is efficient it negates the windlass effect of the plantar fascia which is literally your foot own spring board. So to be used sparingly or you'll end up with foot issues
thank you for the video, great video. I am only missing the saucony endorphin pro that in my opinion are at the top with vaporfly. I have been lucky enough this year to be able to get the alphafly, vaporfly, the saucony and the metaracer, so i can only judge on these ones, but if i can give an advice, don't do that it is a mistake, don't buy different brands it doesn't help, choose one and stick to it. My favourite are the saucony, and the metaracer, of course with vaporfly, but what i can say is, that there is a lot of nonsense going on about running economy, in my experience the running economy is there when you don't feel the shoes, that are working for you effortlessly. This is not the case in many of these shoes. Let me try to explain, each of these shoes pops in a very different way, to reach the point where your body understands the pop from the carbon plate, you need to train a lot into them (and with the price of these shoes, is it really possible?) so that when you try to relax in the pace your body expect that pop that propels you forward and use it in its advantage. if you don't do that in many cases the pop is counter productive because your muscle tense to absorb the impact so you end up working harder. Let's talk about the elephant in the room, the alphafly. they are a mistake, or at least a step back compared the the vaporfly, too heavy, too bulky and the 4mm drop it doesn't help, in my experience i can't understand the pop, it seem to bounce in the wrong moment, especially when i am tired, i need to work harder just to get home, running economy(?). Nike is sponsoring the tempo next % as trainer and the alphafly as racer, but the tempo next % is a 10mm drop, don't you think that if you train your long runs in a 10mm drop and you race a marathon in a 4mm drop you are going to injury your calf?
@@chrislucero1824 the metaracer are a bit on the old fashion way to make shoes, low to the ground and very light. the carbon plate is very aggressive, I would use them for max 10k race. If you can find the new asics metaspeed sky those are great all round shoes, high stack, very fast and bouncy, just a bit expensive. This year the new balance rc elite v2 are a great option
@@massi888 Thanks for the reply. I’m mainly looking for a shoe for a 5k run. Would you still suggest the meta speed sky or go for the meta racer? Leaving the cost out of the equation, which would you suggest to a beginner?
@@chrislucero1824 I personally would surely choose the metaspeed sky much more comfortable and also very fast. The metaspeed sky are different very special I don't think you will regret it if you buy them. The only concern is durability especially if you heel strike. I ran in mine about 100km the outsole still looks ok
Metaracer are super fast, firm and responsive and for me 5K and 10K. Cannot run slow in those. No Endorphin Pro in your review and that’s got to be a serious contender. The Endorphin Speed nylon plate is a lovely alternative - a great all rounder. Struggle with the comfort on most Nikes but the Adios Pro look tempting.
Regulation is definitely a good thing for the elite runners, but for 99% of runners who don't compete with others but only with themselves - trying to be better tomorrow than they were yesterday - I would focus mostly on how do these shoes "feel" vs how much time it makes them win. Love this review! Great video!
Thanks for watching Adam! Yep, we had a look at the Endorphin Pro in an earlier video here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-cq0l5AaHYtc.html
Endorphin Speed is best all around shoe in 2020 according to Seth James DeMoor. I have a pair and believe he is on to something with his review. It is a great shoe!!!
Bottom line is the Nike vapor fly next% is the best carbon plated racing shoe.Spend the extra money and get the best shoe.The other shoes out there are great I’ve tried most of them but when you put on the next% it’s like “Ahhhh,that’s what I’m looking for”
Have a pair of Hoka Carbon X, they take 3-5 mins out of my half marathon time which is great. I think they also take less effort to run at speed compared to my usual running shoes as I recover much faster, 24 vs 48 hours.
Technology is always moving forward. We see it with watches, kit, nutrition, recovery and of course shoes. Like a lot of "old school" runners I am resistant to change, but it's becoming increasingly more difficult to avoid. For average runners like us I feel the carbon plate shoes make little to no difference at all. In the elite ranks where there are millions of dollars on the line, sponsors to please and time standards to be achieved....every advantage helps. Small percentages of gains in several areas can add-up to improved performance, and in a race where where the top 10 guys are running 2:06 or better it really does matter what small gains you can achieve from from these technological advances. Why is 40mm the legal limit? I don't quite understand that.
I have the Hyperion Elite 2 and the Vaporfly Next % (Nike is being saved for the Boston Marathon whenever it is finally scheduled -hopefully next fall if safe to do so). The Brooks is a fun shoe and very stable as Anna pointed out. The DNA Flash midsole is on the firmer side but as a fan of the Hyperion Tempo I knew what to expect. I have not had a problem with the heel rubbing some people complain about but I preemptively slapped a patch of tape over my Achilles the 1st couple of runs in them just in case. I’ve used them for some virtual races during this pandemic with good results--feeling less sore after than I would have felt in my low stack shoes (used to race in the adidas Bostons). I also love the Endorphin Speeds, for the normality of the gait thanks to the flexibility/subtlety of the nylon plate, and hence their versatility. Warning about the NB RC Elite, which I tested at the same time as the HE2: My husband filmed me from behind the treadmill in slow motion and they caused a very bizarre, pronounced overpronation (almost a double foot strike) that I don’t naturally have as a neutral runner. The thought of that inefficiency over 26.2 forced me to send them back even though they felt fun and bouncy. In stark contrast the Brooks were incredibly stable. Love your videos. Martha
My vaporfly next % arrived today so I tested them out on the track at training. They were rapid and I could run so much faster than I have done before. It was hard not to go fast in them. The only speculation I have is that they are definitely not very long lasting. The foam tick at the bottom has already started to peel away. I will now only use them for races ect. I was planning on buying some Pegasus 37s for everyday training but I heard the 36s were better...
For what it's worth I believe the carbon plate and foam assist your foot muscles by storing and giving you back some of the energy you would otherwise lose in the flex of the foot. The increased stack height also makes a small difference to your 'gearing' by lengthening your effective stride. At 63, I run 5k in around 26 mins in my old Nike Flyknit 5 natural feel shoes and just over a minute quicker in the Next%s. Both shoe types are about the same weight. So whatever it is it works for me.
Still got my Zoom Fly 3 Nikes. The "little brother" to the old Zoom Fly Vaporfly/4%/Next%/Alphafly. Same carbon plate, same ZoomX and React foam combo. $100 cheaper. Lasting me over 700 km already and still performing great.
I keep seeing all those high foams and I hear my knees screaming in pain. I have worn Asics a few time in the past and not problem. From this video, they seemed to have the lowest heel foam, which is still slightly higher than what I'm currently running in.
Im still a slow runner, but i snapped the RC Elite into my rotation. Prior to that i have been in NB Rebel, so moving into the Elite wasnt a problem for me (the wide flare thingie didnt give me issue). It has helped me set up my best times (solo TT) for 10k, 13k, 16k by shaving off literally minutes from my previous best times. Currently im on my final training block to attempt to go sub 2hrs HM before year ends ✌😉
Hello, I wanted to see what Carbon plated running shoes were about, so I purchased the Nike Vaporfly and I must say the carbon plates does make me move faster.
@@runningchannel will do! If i remember hahah still have to wait a few months, there’s no way I’m running with them in the snow.. 🙈 also got a pair of Zoom Fly 3’s. So 2021 is going to be fun 🥳👟👟👟👟👟
This is good knowledge on what's out there. I have always ran in Nike's and have a pair of Nike 4% Flyknit and Vaporfly NEXT%. I think it's part placebo and part race-day vibes that make them special trainers IMO. Both aforementioned trainers, I have experienced training runs with the previous models i.e. zoom fly and zoomX foam; so new surprises on race day and nothing new! Do your own research and gait analysis to make sure you are good for you and race day. I have been lucky enough to PB in both editions... But you do your training so it's a good indication of your efforts and remember there's no short cuts here folks! Despite the magical (carbon-plate) powers they possess!
I have a fast cadence and am more used to minimalist zero drop shoes, purely from the standpoint of the natural design/evolution of our feet. So I would always choose zero drop, minimum cushioning as the natural way to run. However, as much as I believe that to be the best way to run, I believe it cannot compete against the new high stacked carbon plate shoes, and so if you can't beat them, join them. I'm guessing that the elite sponsored athletes have their shoes moulded around their specific needs in order to squeeze out even greater marginal gains, whilst the off the peg versions are designed around the most likely marketable mould. So this provides the optimal shoe for anyone who fits the same measurements and mechanics as that of the model. The further away from that specific model you are, the less gains from the shoe. Be great to see races where they have to compete barefoot or in minimal protection, and see who really is the fastest athlete.
I have Adidas Adizero Adios Pro and Nike Next % and love them both, the Adidas are the most comfortable running shoes I've ever worn! You need to mention the Saucony Endorphin Speed and Pro too!
I know they're featured in a other video, but shocked the Endorphin Pro aren't in this one. They're my favorite shoe so far. The Rocket X are ok, but for $20 more I'd just go with the Endorphin Pro. I am trying out the Fuelcell RC Elite now and like them too. But haven't decided if I like them more than the Endorphin Pro since I don't have too many miles in them.
No endorphin pro in the test? About to buy some of the 'training' ones (endorphin speed) as a good intro / slightly more robust training shoe for quick stuff.
Thoroughly enjoying your videos, appreciate this shoe review immensely. What would you suggest for a 50 yo who runs 800m in the masters category - given that injuries (age hips etc) limit the mileage allowed and no downhills or jumping allowed. Having to step down to 400m/800m from 800/1500. However I still do fartlek, hills (up only, walk down sadly), 10*400m sessions weekly. Looking to add cushioning and speed to my track and bill sessions which is what I will use the shoes for. Track day racers will be the usual spike shoes. Which shoe do you recommend for the track and hill sessions?
Hey Sandeep, thanks for watching! We reviewed the Endorphin Pro in an earlier round up here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-cq0l5AaHYtc.html
Which ones last longer because I've heard that the carbon fibre plate wears out and stops giving you that propelling boost after a while? I think that being they are so expensive, it would good to know.
The better Trainer (shoe) will you make stronger and faster instead of too fast for your current strength.. On racetrack and dry Tartan it's the adidas adizero adios Pro. Carbon Plate should reduce the drain gutter effect ob the metarsals as well. But this incl. decoupling the metarsals -> Energy Rods of the adidas adizero adios Pro.
I love my ASICS Metaracer! The looks, the feel & the lightness are some of a few qualities I like about the shoes. I was really surprised how comfortable these shoes were!! I basically got them for longer distances but found it to be great for shorter ones. By far my favorite running shoes right now!
The Running Channel Love your videos, all cool and awesome, (and love this one) Anna your cool, my favourite and best/number 1, (you Anna) got some new trainers (tried them at gym today) Nike zoom Pegasus 37. What do you think about Nike zoom Pegasus 37, (although it was a bit embarrassing at gym today) I had chocolate over my face while at gym, only noticed it when I got funny. Got a few stangle for it. Funny but embarrassing. (People always cool be funny) Biggest city in the world, Dublin cas it keeps doubling up in size. Love your cool cool videos.
Nice review....we live in a great time for shoe technology! The Endorphin Pro and Skechers options would be good to add to a comparison. As always, well done and thanks for looking at them....so fun wearing a high end shoes that just make you feel fast!
Thanks for watching Michael! We featured the Endorphin Pro in an earlier video here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-cq0l5AaHYtc.html but good shout about Skechers :-)
Honestly don't know how the Zoom Fly 3 was left out. Looks and feels similar enough to vaporfly and would have been the cheapest on the list and has carbon plate and zoom foam.
No Saucony? It was their breakout year with the Endorphin Pro and Speed and arguably the shoe that has gotten the most attention over the Nike this year and I can attest to how good the Pro and Speed are personally. I understand you cannot include them all but the Cloudboom and no Endorphins? Incomplete review in my opinion.
You forgot the Adidas Adizero Pro? The Adios isn't the only carbon plated shoe Adidas make.. I have the Adizero Pro and find it great. Can often be bought for under £130 too. Excellent half marathon option.
We didn’t forget it! We were only including certain shoes and models. The Adios Adizero Pro is what a lot of elites are wearing in competitions at the moment 👍
@@runningchannel alpha flys sell out in minutes. Vaporflys still sell out in most sizes. Adidas here are generally seen more as lifestyle shoes rather than runners.
I've held back buying any as I really need stability running shoes due to my pronation. As soon as they release these with a carbon plate I will definitely invest. Asics I am looking at you!
The Brooks Hyperion Elite 2 is incredibly stable due to its wide platform ; even more stable than some of my regular, lower stack running shoes that don’t have a carbon plate! Do NOT consider the NB RC Elite. It caused a pronounced pronation I don’t naturally have as a neutral runner. Martha
Great videos guys a lot of interesting facts based exactly on how we run and the performance which is achieved in various shoes well done to you both 👍
I have purchased Brooks Adrenaline GTS for many years. Earlier in the year when I went for my fit I was told my style had slightly changed (I am 64 and I now bring my foot through at a bigger angle.) I was told that the Brooks trainer was still ideal for me but by replacing the insole with a carbon insole may help me rectify the problem. I am not sure if the problem is still as so severe but my question is the carbon insole similar to the carbon plating in a trainer?
Ran Adidas Adios Pro today for the first time ... bouncy and fast, but not sure it will be my marathon shoe ... definitely very interesting shoe for half marathon
I know everyone has a different opinion on the matter; but it would have been great to include a bit on when and how you should use a carbon plated shoe :) maybe include it in a video on ‘different types’ of shoe and how to use them ... everyday trainer, racing shoe, tempo shoe, cross training, recovery day shoe etc etc ☺️
Even though it's a 2019 shoe. For me I'm keen to eventually get my hands on (well technically get my feet in) a pair of next % My current Road-racing pair I have are the poor man's version of the vaporflys. I have the Nike zoom flys, so off the back of those would be keen to have the next % or even the zoom fly 3s. I also believe that like the evolution of human speed in the progression of the marathon WR or even the 1 mile, that technology in shoes naturally evolves, so if you compare a Bekele 10km track WR in 2004 to a Cheptagi 10km in 2020 they both had the best possible track spike avalanche to them at the time, if that all makes sense. My Yule jog day 5 has now turned into a double day square... (as I didnt get a chance to do one yesterday) this morning I ran on my local parkrun route, 5km of course and not at 9am, now I've just watched this video. So that's 2 squares to tick off!!
@@runningchannel I know that's the idea. But had to Double up where I worked so late yesterday. Dont worry I'll keep watching the videos, and liking them throughout the rest of December and beyond! Keep up the great work!
Next challenge, Anna and the team to all wear a pair of Adidas Adjacent Adjective Adverb (or whatever they're called!) on a muddy winter 10km trail run - it'll be like an episode of Scooby Doo with your legs skid-addling everywhere! Good video again guys!
@@runningchannel I'm open to who the guest could be, perhaps a known UK ultra runner....as long as Rick dresses as Scooby Doo and the rest of the gang chose a character each!
Thanks! I asked for a next % alternatives video a while back so thanks for doing one! Still think the carbon plate is cheating but is it getting to most people using them so don't get left behind? Seems there's a bit of compromise with most of the shoes, whether it's stability, ankle support, wet grip? Great to hear of the options out there though, now if my local running shops would stock a couple of them....
@@runningchannel I have a slightly wider foot too, so Adizero fit sounds good but have to wonder about grip & longevity. Metaracer might be worth a look too, had Asics Nimbus until last few years
Would be nice to see high end shoe compared to carbon shoe difference in speed/effort? Say Brooks hyperon to the elite carbon version? See if extra cash really gives you a big enough return?
Very interesting video, thanks. In a way it gives me the get new shoes bug. I would love to try a pair of plate shoes just to get the feel but both of my shoes in current rotation (Ghost 13/Bondi 7) are about 100 miles each so it probably be summer before I look into it.
Why no inclusion of the Vaporfly, Alphafly and Zoom Fly 3 as a comparison? Surely the innovators in the field are the benchmark for all others to be measured against? After running an event last week - 95% of the front runners are all in Vaporfly and Alphafly shoes. Although i run in Nike's, i'd consider myself as fairly brand agnostic but it does seem that there are two camps here - Nike lovers and Nike haters?
Hey Jason, we’ve done specific reviews and videos on the Alphafly and Vaporfly previously ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-Q26cDk8Ccio.html ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-vFA4CIM0yKA.html
I dont think you could call it an unfair advantage as long as anyone can buy the shoe. Materials evolve and the tech in the material with them. If you are sponsored by a brand with an inferior shoe; get a different sponsor...
@@runningchannel You could compare it to cross country skiing; where the top country's like Norway and Sweden have entire teams for preparing their ski's and spend an insane amount of money on testing different Ski wax. Money that smaller countries just doesnt have. That's more of an unfair advantage to me.
If wearing the shoe returns a faster race time, is it worth paying 3 times the price of a decent normal running shoe? Are you just buying a faster time? How much should a shoe manufacturer be allowed to decide who wins a race? Will those soles last 200 miles? Doesn't look like it. that's about 80p a mile you are running there. Not such a cheap hobby anymore if you start stacking the miles during marathon training. Could be around £250 A MONTH for shoes. I'm going to stick to the great performing shoes from last season and get them in a sale for £70.
Just subscribed to your channel 😀 😊. I am a returning distance runner in the market for new sneakers??.. question is which ones. I prefer sneakers that provides you with the best feel of the road but yet flexible and not unstable like the adidas boost cloth upper.. The thicker your sneakers are it seems your injury risk is higher...please advise which carbon plate low drop brand would you recommend.?.. Currently I am running in mizuno wave sonic that should expires soon.....
I have a very long stride and love to run with support ! as I’m tall can you give me some advice on any ideal running shoe my average stride is approx 1m 57 any Tech data would be greatly appreciated Thanks guys
I’m running in Aasics flyte foam at the present and they seem to feel very stable as I’ve got a wide foot and it would be great if you could give some coverage on the Flyte Foam range Thanks guys
Because we’ve only had the shoes for a short amount of time it’s almost impossible for us to give you an idea of life span at the moment as this is more of a ‘first-look’. But we’ll beat that in mind for future updates! Anna
According to EDDBUD, those thin outsoles on the AAAdios Pro are more durable than they look, and the smooth appearance is deceiving, as they develop a sandpapery texture with good traction. Moreover, the rumor-images of the next iteration suggest they may use Continental rubber in the strategic places so it may be worth the wait for v. 2. Martha
@@levandmarthapolyakin-aaron2183 I watched that video you referenced today, thank you. Ill probably go for these as my next pair. Im a bit nervous of the higher heel height on the Adizero Adios Pro. I know I lose form on longer runs and I've seen a few videos warning about this.
@@nickpellatt Good luck with them. I’m very interested to try them myself. I generally like light, low-stack shoes, the Boston being my favorite, and I just ordered the Takumi Sen 7 which is available in the US for the first time since I’ve been a runner. I’m anticipating using them on 5K’s. However, for a marathon I would like get something more protective. I can tell you for sure that the Brooks Hyperion Elite2 is far and away the most stable fo the “super”shoes. But the Adios Pro is supposedly quite stable as well. Check out Kofuzi’s review of them too. He’s also tagged it as his overall favorite. Martha
@@levandmarthapolyakin-aaron2183 Ordered Adizero Pro this evening as I a) found a hole in the toe of my current shoes, and b) got a 20% discount code from Adidas by adding them to my basket, then closing the app and doing nothing ... 1 hour later the discount code was emailed 👍
