It is clear that trail running has undergone an exponential growth in recent years. Proof of this is the increased investment of all brands, not only in sponsorships and collaborations in high-level races throughout the mountains of the planet, but also in the development of specific gear, such as shoes.
And since we like to talk so much about gear, and specifically about shoes, we do not want to miss the opportunity to put a niche market in the spotlight that, not so long ago, was almost nonexistent. We are talking, of course, about trail running shoes with carbon plate. Do you want to know which ones are the best? Pay attention!
Not sure which shoe to choose?
In a few simple steps we help you to choose the ideal running shoe for you.
GO TO THE RECOMMENDERThe 12 best trail running shoes with carbon plate of 2024
What one day arrived in the world of asphalt to completely revolutionize the reality of our beloved sport, has already managed to gain a foothold, and in a big way, also in the mountains. The search for reactivity, dynamism, and why not say it, protection, has led brands to explore new horizons with which to consolidate their trail models at the top. Many times, thanks to that "blessed" carbon fiber technology.
Here are what we consider to be the most competitive, complete and efficient carbon plate trail running shoes on the market. Do you agree with us?
New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trail
The New Balance FuelCell SC Trail is a trail running shoe designed for trail runners who need speed. The lightweight, secure upper features a design that provides a feeling of ventilation, while the Vibram Lightbase and Megagrip outsole technologies provide impressive grip, traction and durability on all types of terrain. The FuelCell midsole adds a propulsive, cushioned feel underfoot. A foam made from 3% bio-sourced materials delivers the ideal propulsive feel to help you go farther.
- Surface: Trail
- Technology: Carbon plate
- Use: Training, Racing
- Cushion: Neutral
- Running gait: Neutral
- Drop: 10 mm
- Pace: Medium, High
- Weight: 272 gr
New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trail
New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trail
Nike Ultrafly
The Nike ZoomX Ultrafly is the latest great novelty from Nike, a trainer that will not go unnoticed as it is the first trail running model of the American brand that includes the carbon plate in its structure. In addition, it also has a Vibram sole to achieve a totally differential model on the market.
- Surface: Trail
- Technology: Carbon plate
- Use: Racing, Mixed
- Cushion: Neutral
- Running gait: Neutral
- Drop: 8,5
- Pace: Medium, High
HOKA Tecton X 2
The HOKA Tecton X 2 is a trail running shoe that combines the best technologies and materials of the brand and that reaffirms, in its second edition, its place as one of the most powerful trainers on the mountain market. It is a carbon plate model that will help you run from medium to long distances with unbeatable safety and comfort without compromising dynamism. A model of 252 grams of weight and a 5-millimetre drop with a profile of 32 millimetres that will not leave any runner indifferent.
- Surface: Trail
- Technology: Carbon plate
- Use: Training, Racing
- Cushion: Neutral
- Running gait: Neutral
- Drop: 5 mm
- Pace: Medium
- Weight: 252 gr
ASICS Fuji Speed 2
The ASICS Fuji Speed 2 is one of the great novelties of the second half of 2023, a new trail running shoe from the Japanese brand arrives with major changes. The most prominent is the incorporation of the carbon plate to bring more dynamism and speed to the trainer.
- Surface: Trail
- Technology: Carbon plate
- Use: Mixed
- Cushion: Neutral
- Running gait: Neutral
- Drop: 5 mm
- Pace: Medium
- Weight: 210 gr
Joma TR-6000
The new Joma TR-6000 are trail running shoes designed to run fast in the mountains in the middle and long distances. This model is the latest novelty from the Toledo brand and represents a revolution with regard to previous models as it incorporates a carbon fiber plate.
- Surface: Trail
- Technology: Carbon plate
- Use: Racing
- Cushion: Neutral
- Running gait: Neutral
- Drop: 8 mm
- Pace: High
- Weight: 298 gr
Adidas Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra
The new adidas Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra features a new, more dynamic rocker, but this revolutionary design stands out because of its midsole with exclusive LIGHTSTRIKE PRO foam. This translates into a perfect combination of cushioning and energy return for the purpose of adding extra speed to every stride. An ideal model for an experienced and demanding trail runner who is lightweight and looking for a high-performance trail running shoe that allows you to run very fast, but also very reliably.
- Surface: Trail
- Technology: Carbon plate
- Use: Racing
- Cushion: Neutral
- Running gait: Neutral
- Drop: 8 mm
- Pace: High
- Weight: 274 gr
Adidas Terrex Agravic 3
The adidas Terrex Agravic 3 is a trail running shoe aimed at a very specific niche of mountain runners who need a high level competition model prepared to offer maximum reactivity in the mountains.The midsole integrates the dual density Light Strike Pro foam and the incorporation of the Energy Rods system, which will favor the momentum thanks to its combined action with its aggressive rocker. Its outsole, integrates Continental rubber, wich together with quite considerable profiles, makes them shoes that combine protection, cushioning and dynamism. A model that has a comfortable and cushioned 8 mm drop, with 31 mm profiles in the heel and 23 mm in the front.
- Surface: Trail
- Technology: Carbon plate
- Use: Racing
- Cushion: Neutral
- Running gait: Neutral
- Drop: 8 mm
- Pace: Medium, High
The North Face Summit Vectiv Pro 2
The The North Face Summit Vectiv Pro 2, a trail running shoe that we saw last season on the feet of Zach Miller during the last UTMB, is now on sale. This shoe perfectly combines the best technologies and materials of the brand, keeping the carbon plate and its dynamic and reactive philosophy.
- Surface: Trail
- Technology: Carbon plate
- Use: Racing
- Cushion: Neutral
- Running gait: Neutral
- Drop: 6 mm
- Pace: Low, Medium
The North Face Summit Vectiv Pro 2
The North Face Summit Vectiv Pro 2
Lowa Amplux
The Lowa Amplux is a trail running shoe that stands out for its versatility and for integrating a carbon reinforcement in its midsole to provide more speed and reactivity in our races and workouts. The upper is made of a single piece and the tongue eliminates unnecessary seams and, therefore, the risk of friction points, improving the lightness and comfort of the foot inside the shoe. The midsole is triple density with DYNEVA technology that provides the same cushioning along the entire length of the shoe and is lighter than conventional EVA foam. For its part, the sole of the shoe has Lowa Trac technology and a system of inclined lugs that provide the necessary traction on all types of terrain.
- Surface: Trail
- Technology: Carbon plate
- Use: Mixed
- Cushion: Neutral
- Running gait: Neutral
- Pace: High
- Weight: 300 gr
Salomon Pulsar Trail Pro
The Salomon Pulsar Trail Pro model is designed with the latest-generation technologies of the French brand. The new Energy Blade system that it incorporates consists of a TPU plate to offer greater power, while obtaining greater energy return with each step. But, in addition to that superior responsiveness, these Pulsar Trail Pro trainers are also capable of offering high levels of comfort and stability, even for running at really low paces. Designed for experienced trail runners looking to improve their times in all types of mountain terrain
- Surface: Trail
- Technology: Carbon plate
- Use: Training, Racing
- Cushion: High
- Running gait: Neutral
- Drop: 6 mm
- Pace: Medium, High
- Weight: 270 gr
Scarpa Golden Gate Kima RT
The Scarpa Golden Gate Kima RT is a model for mountain running that ensures increased levels of energy return compared to a traditional shoe and, above all, is designed to reduce fatigue levels that tend to become more noticeable as the kilometers go by. They incorporate a thin 1mm plate in the midsole which improves the shoe's responsiveness by more efficiently harnessing the energy return generated by the plantar arch. The foam midsole that surrounds the 3D carbon fiber plate ensures great cushioning and rebound in each step, in addition to being a very light compound to facilitate a better transition and a more dynamic stride. All this in a model that is designed with a 6mm drop and weighs 255 grams in the women's version and 290 grams in the men's version, some really interesting records.
- Surface: Trail
- Technology: Carbon plate
- Use: Training, Racing
- Cushion: High
- Running gait: Neutral
- Drop: 6 mm
- Pace: Low, Medium, High
- Weight: 290H/255M
Altra Montblanc C
One of the great references of the Altra brand for long distances is the Altra Mont Blanc model. A trail running shoe that evolves and makes itself known with the inclusion of the Carbitex carbon plate. A technological resource that not only adds greater responsiveness, but also increases the degree of protection. The Altra Mont Blanc Carbon has a cushioning system with 3 millimeters more foam. A very light nitrogen foam, up to 17% lighter than its previous version, as noted from the American brand.
- Surface: Trail
- Technology: Carbon plate
- Use: Training
- Cushion: Neutral
- Running gait: Neutral
- Drop: 0 (perfil 29 mm)
- Pace: Medium
- Weight: 280 gr
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