Increasing performance has always driven innovation for running shoe companies and, recently, the introduction of advanced footwear technologies (AFTs) has revolutionised the world of athletic shoes by adopting the latest advancements in materials science that propel these technologies.

AFTs are characterised by their lightweight design, which is enhanced by a combination of compliant, resilient foam cushioning and a curved stiffening element in the sole, aimed at significantly improving running economy (RE). The stiffening element, typically a carbon plate, acts as a spring working in conjunction with the foam to boost propulsion.

Curved carbon plates have been at the forefront of this technological wave and since 2018 several world records in long distance running races have been broken thanks to shoes that incorporated this element in their midsoles. Studies assessing their use have shown an RE improvement of 2.8% to 4.2%.

This article looks at the impact of carbon plates on a shoe’s performance, a runner’s running economy and biomechanics, on both road and track running, as well as the trail segment. It reports on their application in commercially available examples such as the Nike Alphafly 3, the Carbitex Speedland trail shoe and the Altra Running’s Mont Blanc Carbon trail running shoe.