runningandthecity

Because Regular Shoes Are Basically Wooden Clogs”

Ah, racing shoes. Remember the good old days when we just wore glorified bedroom slippers with some rubber on the bottom and called it a day? Well, friends, those days are over. Enter carbon-plated racing shoes—the turbo-charged, NASA-engineered, elite-approved marvels of modern footwear that make regular racing flats look like medieval torture devices.

What’s the Big Deal with Carbon Plates?

Imagine you’re running, and instead of your legs doing all the work, you have a secret weapon wedged inside your shoe: a springy, energy-returning carbon plate. It’s like having a mini trampoline for your feet, except instead of bouncing aimlessly, you’re being propelled forward with the grace of an elite marathoner (or at least, that’s what we think we look like).

But I Like My Regular Racing Shoes!

That’s adorable. Do you also prefer flip phones and dial-up internet? Look, regular racing shoes are fine—if you enjoy unnecessarily working harder and feeling like you’re running through molasses. Carbon-plated shoes, on the other hand, reduce fatigue, improve efficiency, and make you feel like you actually trained properly for this race.

Are They Legal?

Oh, totally. The running gods (a.k.a. World Athletics) set some guidelines to make sure we don’t all show up in moon boots that do the running for us. As long as your shoes aren’t thicker than a double-stacked pancake (40mm, to be exact), you’re good to go. So yes, they’re legal—but let’s be real: it still feels like cheating.

But They’re Expensive!

Yes, and so is losing a race to your office rival Greg, who just picked up running last month and is already “accidentally” qualifying for Boston. Do you really want to let Greg beat you? Didn’t think so. Consider it an investment in your pride.

Will They Magically Make Me Faster?

No, you still have to train. Shocking, I know. But what they will do is make your effort count for a bit more. Think of it as a performance-enhancing suggestion rather than a shortcut. You still need lungs, legs, and the will to suffer, but at least your shoes won’t be actively working against you.

I just want to point out my fabulously fast adidas adios pro racers. Check the adidas site for their gorgeous workout clothes and workout shoes, they are my favorites! I am definitely loving all this new adidas gear, including this adaptable distance carbon racers that lately I wear for most distances.

Final Verdict: Should You Get a Pair?

Unless you have an irrational attachment to outdated footwear technology, yes. Carbon-plated shoes won’t turn you into Eliud Kipchoge overnight, but they might make you feel like him for a fleeting moment. And isn’t that worth it?

Any disclaimers?

Yes, try out different ones as they are not all the same. Also, make sure you train in them, don’t just show up at the race in brand new shoes just because they’re expensive and you don’t want to waste their mileage. Do at least 2 speed workouts and 2 long runs in them. Keep in mind they will feel super weird (or like crap) in your warm up and cooldown, that is normal.

So go ahead—embrace the future. Your legs, your coach (hii) and your Strava followers will thank you.