Best Racing Shoes – Shoe Guide Spring 2025

Racing shoes are designed to maximize speed by increasing the dynamics and efficiency of your stride. At the same time, they provide the cushioning you need to feel safe and reduce muscle fatigue during intense workouts. The perfect choice for fast runs and competitions where every second counts! But with so many models on the market, which one is right for you? Check out the overview!

Who needs racing shoes?

Racing shoes, also known as competition running shoes, are designed for:

• Advanced runner who have completed many fast training sessions and races. Beginners may not feel the full benefit of this type of footwear and should usually start their competitive runs in training shoes.
• Athletes participating in marathons, half-marathons, 10K or 5K races and other running events. Thanks to their light weight and advanced technologies, these shoes help to achieve better times over long distances.
• For runners who want to improve their performance. Racing shoes are designed to increase the dynamics of the stride, allowing runners to reach their full potential and achieve better results.

Technical data comparison

Running Shoe Models Overview

adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo 1

The adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo 1 is the lightest model in the entire lineup and the flagship running shoe of the adidas Adizero line, representing the highest level in adidas’ racing footwear segment. It is designed for long distance races such as marathons and half marathons. It features ultra-lightweight construction and advanced technologies, including Lightstrike PRO EVO foam and carbon fiber. These solutions make it exceptionally responsive, making it the perfect choice for experienced runners looking for maximum speed. It should be noted, however, that the lightness and performance of this model come at a high price and with a limited lifespan.

• Stack height: 39/33 mm
• Drop: 6 mm
• Weight: 138 g
• Regular price: 500 EUR

adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4

The Adios Pro 4 is the second model of racing shoe from adidas. It is one of the most common carbon racing shoes in running competitions. The midsole is made of lightweight and resilient Lightstrike PRO foam and a carbon fork-shaped Energyrods element. Its function is similar to that of a full-size plate – it makes the shoe exceptionally dynamic. However, the shoe can feel a bit unstable at slower speeds. The outsole is made up of two rubber compounds – reliable and grippy Continental rubber and lightweight and translucent Lighttraxion, which provides grip on both dry and wet surfaces.

• Stack height: 39/33 mm
• Drop: 6 mm
• Weight: 200 g men’s, 175 g women’s
• Regular price: 250 EUR

Asics Metaspeed Sky Paris

The next incarnation of Asics’ fastest race shoe. They are built the classic way for carbon shoes, with soft foam, in this case FFBlast Turbo+, which provides softness, safety, cushioning and some dynamics. We also have a carbon fiber plate that basically only provides dynamics. In addition, we find a midsole profile that facilitates rolling from heel to toe, a thin upper and quite a bit of space in the front. This is a shoe for advanced runners, but not only. It is also a very good and quite safe proposition for first carbon fiber shoes.

• Stack height: 39/34 mm
• Drop: 5 mm
• Weight: 185g
• Regular price: 250 EUR

Brooks Hyperion Elite 4

The Brooks Hyperion Elite 4 uses a soft and responsive DNA FLASH v2 foam base that is saturated with nitrogen for increased dynamics. Inside is a full-size carbon fiber plate. However, it is not a standard plate, but a “perforated” plate consisting of many interpenetrating carbon rods. An additional feature of this shoe is the characteristic profile under the heel area, which encourages the foot to roll forward quickly. It is an excellent race shoe for events from 5K to marathon.

• Stack height: 40/32 mm
• Drop: 8 mm
• Weight: 221 g
• Regular price: 250 EUR

Diadora Gara Carbon 2

The Gara Carbon 2 is the fastest running shoe in the Diadora lineup. The key element is the carbon fiber plate that makes movement smooth and springy. It is accompanied by a light and responsive ANIMA PBX foam that further increases the rebound of the midsole. The midsole is wide and without unnecessary cuts, which makes it very stable for a carbon racing shoe. The lightweight Matryx upper provides support, durability and breathability. Compared to some futuristic racing boots, this is a more classic, but still remarkable boot.

• Stack height: 40/35 mm
• Drop: 5 mm
• Weight: 220 g
• Regular price: 290 EUR

Hoka Cielo X1 2.0

The Cielo X1 2.0 is the second incarnation of Hoka’s top racing shoe. Its construction features a full-length carbon fiber plate (with small wings) and two layers of responsive PEBA foam. It is a shoe for races from 5K to marathon. What has been improved in this shoe is the weight, which makes it no lighter than the other models on this list. It can be unstable when running slowly with a lot of heel strike, but… who wants to run slowly in this?

• Stack height: 39/32 mm
• Drop: 7 mm
• Weight: 228 g
• Regular price: 275 EUR

Hoka Rocket X 2

Hoka has finally launched a real super shoe with a carbon plate. Based on a responsive PEBA midsole, which is much more than in the previous edition of this model. With a full-length carbon plate for more dynamics. This is no longer the “safe” Carbon X that allows you to run at an easy pace. This is a shoe that demands you not to slow down below 4’00/km. Cons? It is the second heaviest model in this list.

• Stack height: 36/31 mm
• Drop: 5 mm
• Weight: 236 g men’s, 236 g women’s
• Regular price: 250 EUR

Kiprun KD900X LD+

The KD900X LD+ is a surprising proposition from the French brand Kiprun, which until now has mainly been associated with budget running shoes. This time, however, they take it to the next level and serve up a shoe that combines lightness, dynamic performance and record-breaking technology. At the heart of the construction is ultra-light and responsive VFoam Plus, with a full-length carbon fiber plate inside. In addition, the aggressively sculpted midsole provides a smooth rolling motion, and the numerous cutouts reduce weight, which only encourages the development of higher speeds.

• Stack height: 39/35 mm
• Drop: 4 mm
• Weight: 238 g men’s, 196 g women’s
• Regular price: 230 EUR

Mizuno Rebbellion Pro 3

The Rebellion Pro is probably the most aggressive race shoe in this comparison. These heavily rockered shoes are designed to roll the foot and push the foot forward. This dynamic may seem unnatural at first and takes some getting used to. The midsole is made of Enerzy Lite foam and a plate that is an evolution of the Wave system known from the brand’s training shoes. The plate in the Rebellion has a slight wave shape and is made of 30% carbon fiber and 70% nylon. This shoe is designed for fast, experienced and advanced runners. These shoes are not recommended for people looking for their first pair of carbon running shoes.

• Stack height: 38/36,5 mm
• Drop: 4 mm
• Weight: 225 g
• Regular price: 240 EUR

New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4

The New Balance FuelCell SC Elite v4 is New Balance’s most technologically advanced running shoe. These shoes have a midsole made of enhanced FuelCell foam made of PEBA material. Inside is a full length carbon fiber plate. The placement of the plate and the empty channel running through the middle of the shoe are particularly noteworthy. This solution enhances the deflection effect of the foam and the performance of the plate. This shoe is characterized by a pronounced deflection of the midsole, which translates into excellent cushioning and responsiveness.

• Stack height: 40/36 mm
• Drop: 4 mm
• Weight: 237 g
• Regular price: 280 EUR

Nike Alphafly Next% 3

Nike’s most advanced race shoe. Featuring a full-length carbon plate and two additional gas cushions under the forefoot. The cushions provide incredible bounce, and in combination with the carbon fiber they provide the right amount of stiffness and dynamics. The whole thing is surrounded by a large amount of lightweight ZoomX foam. Compared to the Vaporfly, this is a more stable shoe that is also safer for runners who cannot maintain speeds below 4’00/km for long periods of time.

• Stack height: 40/32 mm
• Drop: 8 mm
• Weight: 218 g
• Regular price: 310 EUR

Nike Vaporfly Next% 3

Widely regarded as the fastest and most popular race shoe. For the past three years, it has been in a similar form with a soft and responsive ZoomX foam and a full-length carbon fiber plate. Extremely dynamic, soft, in its third edition slightly wider than its predecessors. Also one of the less stable if you want to go slow on it. When you go fast, this impression disappears. For years it has been the lightest or one of the lightest and one that you don’t feel on your foot. Good for advanced runners for basically any distance, from a five-kilometer run to a marathon.

• Stack height: 40/32 mm
• Drop: 8 mm
• Weight: 190 g men’s, 150 g women’s
• Regular price: 260 EUR

On Cloudboom Strike

The Cloudboon Strike is the latest version of On’s fastest racing shoe. At first glance, it looks nothing like the brand’s typical model, and the distinctive “Cloud” system is barely noticeable. Inside, however, is a carbon speedboard and ultra-responsive Helion HF foam for a dynamic bounce. The lightweight, almost “paper-thin” 100% recycled polyester upper is also eye-catching, giving the shoe a modern and eco-friendly look.

• Stack height: 39,5/35,5 mm
• Drop: 4 mm
• Weight: 215 g men’s, 188 g women’s
• Regular price: 300 EUR

Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite

New to the lineup. Quite futuristic. With a midsole split into two separate segments made of responsive NITRO Elite, which are supposed to work a little more independently (and by the way, we’re reducing the weight of the shoe with foam). A full-length PWRPLATE carbon fiber plate spans these like a bridge, leaving the carbon fiber completely exposed in the midfoot. This is supposed to increase leverage and provide even more rebound. In practice, this solution proves to be very demanding on the foot and calf during running. It is a shoe for advanced runners and rather for shorter distances, up to and including half-marathons. Like Rebellion, I do not recommend buying it sight unseen!

• Stack height: 35/27 mm
• Drop: 8 mm
• Weight: 225 g men’s, 187 g women’s
• Regular price: 270 EUR

Saucony Endorphin Pro 4

One of the more stable race shoes on this list. The second, next to the Metaspeed Sky+, is a shoe that I can recommend as the first carbon racing shoe. In the midsole we find SPEEDROLL, which is nothing more than a molding that helps the foot roll quickly. There is also an S-shaped carbon fiber plate to make it fast and dynamic. The PWRUN PB foam around the plate is based on a PeBa polymer blend that provides elasticity and cushioning. It is worth noting that, unlike many carbon running shoes, the foam here forms a relatively wide and stable base. This may not make it the fastest, but it makes it a little safer.

• Stack height: 39/31 mm
• Drop: 8 mm
• Weight: 212 g men’s, 185 g women’s
• Regular price: 250 EUR

Saucony Endorphin Elite 2

If you are looking for uncompromising speed, the Endorphin Elite 2 is the shoe for you. A high technology shoe that can be compared to the Nike Alphafly Next%. The foam in this model is PWRRUN HG, which is characterized by greater hardness, contributing to greater energy return and elasticity. The plate here has a “fork” shape, which is supposed to make it more dynamic and even faster. This shoe is quite demanding, rather for the most advanced runners who want to fight for the most ambitious results.

• Stack height: 39,5/31,5 mm
• Drop: 8 mm
• Weight: 199 g
• Regular price: 300 EUR