Super shoes are high-tech sneakers that companies claim help wearers run faster. They are designed to be lightweight, compliant, and highly resilient, with a curved, rigid plate often made from carbon fiber embedded within the foam. The combination of these features makes super shoes speedy and efficient. Super shoes are often referred to as pro or elite level shoes, but they are not only for those crossing finish lines first. They can be beneficial for runners of all levels, but they can take some getting used to, as they are stiffer than regular running shoes and offer less stability than trainers. Super shoes can change your stride and distribution of impact on your body, which can open the door to possible injuries. However, they tend to reduce Achilles tendon and calf issues.

Super shoes can be expensive, with prices topping out at $300 compared to $110 for an average running shoe. They can increase your speed and allow for better efficiency, which means your legs won’t feel as tired, no matter how fast you’re going. However, research on the negative effects of super shoes is limited, although one recent study found that carbon-plated shoes may be causing an increase in bone stress injuries.

Super shoes are not just for racing, as brands are starting to introduce super shoes specifically designed for training. They can be worn for every run, but alternating between two or more shoes is better for injury prevention. Super shoes can be beneficial for all runners, as they offer a 3-4% energy savings across a wide range of runners, from elite to average runners. The real power of super shoes could be supercharged training, as they can help runners log more quality days and more mileage in general. However, it is important to note that super shoes can put atypical stresses on the bones and soft-tissue structures, which can lead to injuries.