A carbon plate is a rigid insert placed into high-performance running shoes. It is designed to enhance energy return and make running more efficient.
Carbon plates are also famous for being used in “super shoes” for marathons and triathlons. The carbon plate stiffens the midsole, which combined with special foam, allows the runner to maintain their energy and push off harder. Nike’s Vaporfly line first brought about this popular concept, and today nearly all of the major manufacturers have shoes with carbon plates. The shoes, when used in long races, make athletes perform well, as they can go faster with less effort. The shoes are typically only used on race day since they alter the way an individual runs and can fatigue small muscles on the long training run.
