The technological advancements in running shoes, such as carbon fibre plates and high-energy return foams, initially gained a winning reputation in road running shoes, having revolutionised the sport and sending the world rankings into anarchy. However, these high-tech innovations have now started making their way into trail running shoes, albeit with some adaptations and considerations.

Carbon Fibre Plates

Road shoes with carbon fibre plates and high-energy return foam aim to enhance energy return and propulsion, improving running efficiency on flat and consistent surfaces.

In trail running though, where terrains are uneven and varied, the use of carbon plates and super-foam is more challenging.

That being said, some trail shoes now incorporate flexible carbon-infused plates that offer stability and protection without compromising flexibility on uneven surfaces – such as Saucony’s Endorphin Edge, Asics Fujispeed 2 or the North Face Vectiv Pro models.

High-Energy Return Foams

Foams like PEBAX or other responsive materials are known for energy return and were initially featured in road shoes for their cushioning and responsiveness.

Now the minimal feel to a trail shoe has been replaced with the integration of similar foams to those found in road shoes to provide cushioning and responsiveness while adapting to the demands of rugged terrains – consider the build of Hoka Speedgoat or Hoka Stinson, even the Altra Olympus are also pretty cushioned but responsive when it comes to the trails.

Adaptations for Trail Running

Trail running shoes focus on durability, stability, and traction to navigate varied terrains like dirt paths, rocky trails, and steep ascents/descents – they need deep lugs for grip, and a responsive feel to avoid rolling ankles or misreading what lies underfoot – a huge risk for a cushioned trail shoe.

But there is hope. Shoe manufacturers are adapting technologies to cater to the specific needs of trail runners. Innovations focus on creating a balance between responsiveness and stability, incorporating features like aggressive outsoles, durable materials, and protective elements without compromising on weight or flexibility.

And we know that Carbon plating for the road shoes is linked with high stack heights. But, for offroad trails, this can cause difficulties because the more you increase the stack of a shoe, the more unstable it becomes.

Impact on Trail Runners

Inevitably, trail runners will also benefit from the 3-4% energy return that road runners gain with a super shoe – those with carbon plating and copious amounts of foam cushioning.

Carbon fiber plates and high-energy return foam have become emblematic of speed and efficiency on paved surfaces, catering to the specific demands of road runners aiming for faster times and reduced fatigue. Benefits that trail runners will undoubtedly want to exploit too – especially on those high technical routes.

However, the rugged and varied nature of trails demands a balance between technology and trail-specific needs. Some runners may prioritize durability, grip, and protection over the specific features associated with carbon plates or high-energy return foams – it depends on how, when and where you run.

Trail runners encounter obstacles ranging from sharp rocks to slippery surfaces and everything in between, demanding shoes that prioritize grip, stability, and protection.

Unfortunately, Carbon fibre plates, designed for smoother surfaces, might not align with the demands of uneven terrains where adaptability and traction are crucial.

In essence, while the initial focus of these technologies was on road running shoes, their adaptation and incorporation into trail running shoes demonstrate the industry’s efforts to enhance performance and protection for trail runners.

The challenge remains in striking a balance between technological advancements and the specific demands of trail running in what I think maybe a rather painful process.

Nevertheless, here are the top carbon-plated trail running shoes of recent that seem to have perfected the balance of speed, support, stability and comfort, with some jolly good colors to boot:

• Nike: Nike has been at the forefront of carbon-plated technology and might introduce trail-specific models featuring carbon plates or similar propulsion systems check out the Nike ZoomX UltraFly, the first carbon-plated trail shoe from the American heavyweight brand.
• Adidas: Adidas has been exploring advancements in trail running shoe technology and might have added the Terrexx Agravic Speed Ultra into their realm. With the use of Lightstrike pro foam and a pronounced, dynamic rocker this is the shoe that can propel you into faster times (available in the spring of 2024).
• Hoka One One: Known for their cushioned and innovative designs, they’ve explored carbon-plated and propulsion technologies in their trail running line-up – enter HOKA Tecton X. It’s considered to be one of the most powerful trail trainers on the mountain market.
• Salomon: A prominent brand in the trail running community, Salomon often introduces cutting-edge technologies in their trail shoes and the Pulsar Trail Pro doesn’t disappoint. Adding a new Energy Blade system for greater energy return and yet doesn’t neglect their high levels of comfort and stability.