Carbon Plated Running Shoes

1. Other names: Athlete training shoes

2. Application: For training purposes and professional competition

1. What are carbon plate running shoes?

Carbon plate running shoes are those that feature a midsole structure with an attached “carbon fiber plate”. This carbon plate is a thin, lightweight layer made from carbon fiber material and possesses the properties of low weight, high strength, high toughness, and high resiliency.

2. What does a carbon plate do in running shoes?

The carbon plate in the carbon plate running shoes is mainly made of carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP). This is a lightweight, high-strength material that is formed by molding or high-temperature curing. In industry, its strength suitable for running shoes is usually Toray T300 and Toray T700. The former is ideal for conventional carbon plate running shoes; while the latter is used for more high-end running shoes. For example, some running shoes of Nike and ANTA use this level of carbon plate.

So, does it mean the carbon plate is very hard? The carbon plates are not simply used to “harden” running shoes. They play the role of structural functional parts in running shoes. With these characteristics, the advantages of carbon plates in the field of running shoes are particularly obvious: more lighter, more elastic(you can bend it to 90 degrees), stronger, and more durable. Different carbon plate forms also have some differences in function. The S-shaped carbon plate is the most common, simulating the rolling of the foot; the Y-shaped forked carbon plate improves forefoot stability and force propulsion; the full-palm carbon plate provides comprehensive support and is suitable for full-palm landing.

4. Are carbon plate running shoes good for training?

Of course, carbon plate running shoes are very beneficial in the field of training. In training or other fields, the carbon plate increases the longitudinal rigidity of the midsole, so that the sole of the foot will not bend excessively when running and improve running efficiency; it will cause micro-deformation and energy storage when the foot lands, and quickly restore the shape at the moment of leaving the ground, ejecting the energy and playing a “booster” effect; if the carbon plate running shoes are also combined with supercritical foam such as PEBA, the carbon plate can control the rebound direction of the foam to avoid energy loss. One thing to note is that novices or people with unstable gait should use it with caution, as the carbon plate structure may increase pressure on the ankles or knees.

5. How long do carbon-plated shoes last?

This question needs to take into account many factors, such as personal usage habits, environmental factors, etc. Relatively speaking, under the same usage habits and environment, the durability of carbon plate running shoes is longer than that of ordinary running shoes. In addition, to consider the life of carbon plate running shoes, we must also observe their internal structure. The durability of the carbon plate itself is relatively long, but the supercritical foaming or other foams combined with it are the bottleneck that limits its lifespan because the compression of the foam is irreversible. If you want to increase the durability of carbon plate running shoes, you may avoid exposure to the sun, high temperature or long-term extrusion; change usage habits, etc.