Joma R3000 22

Running fast is still a longing for those of us who unfortunately have not favored too much by genetics. But why give up trying to beat at least our best times if we have been lucky enough to live in a time when technology can help us a little bit to be faster. But my friend, what if you're not lucky enough to be able to afford 150 or 200 for a pair of running shoes with a carbon plate, or if you just can't afford to spend that kind of money on your shoes?

Well, for that we are lucky to have in the market a brand, a Spanish one, which focuses on creating products of considerable quality while adjusting its price to the maximum. We're talking about Joma, and although the shoe I'm going to talk about today is the most expensive in their running catalog, you must believe me when I tell you that with what you'll save if you compare prices in RUNNEA with other carbon plate shoes, you'll have enough for at least a couple of bibs to sign up for popular races. Here's my review of the Joma R3000, the first carbon plate shoe from the Toledo-based brand.

What type of runner are these Joma R3000 designed for?

The answer to this question is quite simple. It is Joma's fastest shoe, or at least the one that favors faster running. And therefore it is aimed at runners up to 80-85kg who are looking for their best time in competitions of different distances depending on their running technique. For popular runners with a not very good running technique, I see 10km races as the maximum. If your weight is under 70kg and your technique is correct, you will be able to extend the distance up to half or even marathon. Of course, if you are thinking of getting your first carbon plate shoes it is important that you know the sensations that you are going to perceive with them.

As a preamble, the sensation of running with carbon models is very variable depending on the brand and the model you choose. In the case of Joma, we see a generous midsole but in the race it is perceived with a hard touch. Its foam, in combination with a full carbon plate that runs along the sole of the foot, is built in a rocker shape. You will notice from the first strides that it is more oriented to runners who land midfoot, favoring an almost involuntary forward movement that causes a decrease in fatigue before the cyclical movement of the foot. And in turn a boost in the take-off process. If, on the other hand, you tend to heel excessively, this may not be the most suitable shoe.

It is perfect for a 5 or 10k in which you want to go to the maximum, in which you have decided to put yourself to the test. A shoe for special occasions, not for training with continuously.

What did we like most about the Joma R3000?

First of all, Joma has made a leap in quality in terms of materials and technology. A very well constructed upper, breathable, with an attractive design if you like fluorescent colors.
A wide midsole, hard but responsive.

And a system that works like and reminds us a lot of the first Hoka One or some Skechers models that used that rocker format to help propel the foot off the ground. And yet in sensations, it reminded me of the first time I wore the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro with carbon plate (although this Joma model feels a bit more stable).

Possible improvements

There is a 'but' that we see in almost 100% of the shoes with carbon plate, and it is its durability. And not so much of its sole, as we saw in some models like Adidas, but in its midsole. It is a model to take out of the closet on Sundays, as my mother would say. For the rare occasions when we are going to get the most out of them.

It is also true that they feel a bit hard in the race. It may be something normal for the purpose of the model, but we already see in the market alternatives with a somewhat friendlier feel. The most exaggerated case could be the New Balance FuelCell RC Elite v2

What are the shoes to which these Joma R3000 can be compared?

Nike Vaporfly 3

New Balance FuelCell RC Elite v22

Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3

Saucony Endorphin Pro 3

PUMA Deviate Nitro 2

HOKA ONE ONE Carbon X 3