

Together, they speed up and smooth out the heel-to-forefoot transition in every step the runner takes. This very distinctive design gives the runner an energy “pop” at the beginning of the race, and it acts as a stabilizer throughout the race.įurthermore, the construction of the shoe’s spine also works with the added carbon fiber plate. With this pairing, the heel weighs 25% less than foam, and it is raised from 20mm to 28mm. Looking to create a lightweight, endurance-enhancing shoe for marathon runners, the designers at Brooks created a shoe that weighs only 7 ounces.Ī thin carbon fiber plate was inserted between the newly-designed DNA Zero midsole, which a mixture of air and ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) meant to boost heel height. Known as the Hyperion Elite, the company has been perfecting the shoe since 2017. Most recently, Brooks has also introduced a new FRP composite running shoe. Pic Credit: Composites Manufacturing Magazine Other models include Nike Zoom Fly 3, Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next%, New Balance FuelCell 5280, Hoke One One Carbon Rocket, and Hoke One One Carbon X.

The most popular carbon fiber running shoe is the Nike Vaporfly 4%. The FRP composite plate reduces the amount of energy lost during this crucial starting point of the race.Īs of today, there are six different running shoes available that have this nifty carbon fiber insert, and they cost an average of $250. This refers to the very first moment in the race when the runner’s big toe bend to propel the runner forward. It is now understood that the carbon fiber insert hel ps with the initial toe-off. In an effort to give runners an edge in races, Adidas inserted a thin carbon fiber plate into the midsole of each AdiStar shoe.Įven though the designers knew that this FRP composite insert helped to boost speed, they weren’t exactly sure how until more recently. Released by Adidas, the groundbreaking, high-performance shoe was dubbed the AdiStar. Several footwear companies have been experimenting with carbon fiber plates inside their running shoes ─ the very first pair was unveiled more than 15 years ago. Innovative Footwear to Enhance Performance

Taking this concept into consideration, there is no reason to think that FRP composites won’t do the same thing for long distance and marathon runners. Not only are FRP composites strong and durable, but the reduced weight allows these transports to hit higher speeds. Fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composites are increasingly being used in sports cars, boats, and aircraft.
