As marathon training gets into full swing, I’ve been considering which shoes I’d like to run in. I usually run in a newer pair of regular training shoes, but recently I purchased a pair of “super shoes,” and I’m considering using them on race day. I feel a little late to the party in trying out super shoes, but the price had always seemed a bit alarming to me, and until recently, I hadn’t done enough research to have the confidence that they would make that much of a difference to my training, recovery, or race times. In the end, after hearing reviews from friends and researching online, I decided that thousands of people can’t be wrong. And if you go to spectate at a race these days, you’ll see that super shoes are popular among elite athletes and serious runners alike, aiming for improved performance in races. At the major marathons and even your local 5k, you’ll see so many people wearing brands like Nike, Adidas, Mizuno, and Saucony, who have all developed their own brightly colored versions.

If you’re new to super shoes, here are a few things you need to know:

Super shoes are high-performance running shoes designed to enhance speed and efficiency. They typically incorporate advanced materials and innovative technologies, including:

• Carbon Fiber Plates: These plates are embedded in the midsole of the shoe and provide a spring-like effect, improving energy return and propulsion.
• Lightweight Foam: Super shoes often use high-tech, responsive foams that are lightweight yet provide excellent cushioning and energy return.
• Efficient Upper Materials: The upper part of the shoe is usually made from lightweight, breathable materials that offer a secure fit without adding unnecessary weight.
• Aerodynamic Design: Super shoes are designed to minimize drag and optimize running form.

Who Are They For?

Anyone can run in super shoes, but they are particularly well-suited for elite athletes and well-trained competitive runners who are looking for advantages in speed and efficiency, especially in races such as marathons. These runners typically have a strong foundation in running mechanics and can benefit from the performance enhancements of super shoes as well as deal with the potential changes to form that they can cause. If you’re an experienced runner seeking performance gains, super shoes might be a good option for you, as they can help improve overall running efficiency, making them ideal if you’re aiming for faster times. While super shoes offer significant benefits, they might not be the best shoe type for casual runners, mostly because they can have an impact on form and potential injury. If you’re in doubt, it’s a good idea to head to your local running store to check them out and ask for some professional advice.

What Are the Benefits of Super Shoes?

Super shoes can have many benefits and as I think about training in them, I’ve been weighing up how some of these might impact me:

• Improved Energy Return: The carbon fiber plates embedded in the midsole provide a spring-like effect, which enhances propulsion and energy return with each stride, helping runners maintain speed with less effort.
• Increased Speed: Many runners experience faster race times due to the combination of lightweight materials, responsive foams, and carbon plates that improve overall running efficiency.
• Enhanced Cushioning: Advanced foams used in super shoes offer superior cushioning, which can reduce the impact on joints and muscles, leading to less fatigue and quicker recovery.
• Reduced Fatigue: The efficient energy return and cushioning properties help reduce muscle fatigue over long distances, allowing runners to maintain a higher pace for a longer duration.
• Optimized Running Economy: Super shoes can improve running economy by reducing the amount of oxygen consumed at a given pace, which can be particularly beneficial in endurance events.
• Improved Running Form: The design of super shoes encourages a more efficient running form, helping runners maintain proper posture and stride mechanics.
• Lightweight Construction: The materials used in super shoes are typically very lightweight, reducing the overall weight of the shoe and contributing to faster running times.

Things to consider before buying:

One of the things that put me off purchasing a pair of super shoes was the cost. They are generally more expensive than regular running shoes, and can be in the $200 – $300 range. Given that I buy my regular shoes for about $70 when they are on sale, this is a huge difference. Another thing to consider is the difference in durability. When you purchase super shoes, you’re getting a pair that are designed primarily for performance and racing, not for everyday training. The advanced materials and lightweight construction can wear out faster, especially the high-performance foams and carbon plates, and you’ll get fewer miles for your money. Before you head out to your local running store to treat yourself, also consider the primary purpose for which you’re buying the shoes. If you’re aiming for a personal best in a race or marathon, super shoes can be a great investment. However, for everyday training or casual running, they might not be necessary. Finally, it’s worth remembering that the design and fit of super shoes can differ from traditional running shoes. I’m one of those runners who finds a pair of shoes that I love and doesn’t mix it up much. With this in mind, before I bought mine, I wanted to be sure that I didn’t feel rushed in trying them on and could be sure that they’d be comfortable before parting with my hard-earned cash. 

A couple of weeks ago, the temptation of running a little faster and recovering a little more easily won me over and I ordered my first pair of super shoes. I decided to try the Saucony Endorphin Pro 4s, as I run in the Endorphin Speeds and these seem the most similar (did I mention that I’m a runner who doesn’t like too much change ;)). I’ve already taken them out for a short run and they felt great, but tomorrow I’m going to see how they fair on a long run. Stay tuned.