What are plated running shoes?

Plated running shoes are a new style of running shoe that originally came in at the elite runner level.

Nike developed the first plated running shoes in 2017. The brand new shoe technology was kept well and truly under wraps until launch.

They most memorably worn by Eliud Kipchoge in the Nike breaking2 project where Kipchoge ran a marathon in a stunning 1:59:40 in 2019.

The theory behind the plated shoe is that it is designed to improve running efficiency. The shoe reduces shock and improves energy return to give you a speed advantage.

A plated running shoe has a significantly different structure from your regular running shoe.

It combines a very soft sole with a carbon, nylon, or glass fibre plate in the forefoot section. This makes the heel of shoe very shock absorbent and encourages the foot to roll and spring from the toe when you run.

The sprung plate at the front gives a kinetic energy return. This helps the runner spring from their toe more than they would in a regular running shoe.

However, plated running shoes aren’t for everybody. Because the heel of the shoe is incredibly soft, a good running form is required.

The efficiency can be lost through reduced stability if a runner has an unstable gait. If you want to find out more about your running gait, contact us to book in for a gait analysis at Leicester Running Shop.

We currently have the Saucony Endorphin Speed plated running shoes in stock at Leicester Running Shop. Adidas Adizero Boston 10 coming into the shop soon.

Drop into our Leicester store to see these shoes in real life.