8 Best HOKA Running Shoes for Every Type of Runner

Over the last year, I’ve tested a wide variety of carbon-plated running shoes, each promising to boost speed and performance. If you’re after a pair of race-ready shoes designed to help you achieve your personal best, here’s my list of the top carbon plate shoes that are perfect for hitting the pavement, whether you’re gearing up for a marathon or working on speed sessions.

1. Nike Vaporfly 3 – Best for Long Distance and Race Days
The Nike Vaporfly series revolutionized marathon running, and the Vaporfly 3 continues that tradition with some updates that enhance comfort without sacrificing speed. With a 40mm stack height and 8mm drop, the shoe still features its signature ZoomX foam for a responsive, energetic feel. The Flyknit upper is lighter, with a looser, breathable fit, while the outsole is thinner to shed weight and allow the foam to shine. Whether you’re aiming for a marathon PR or tackling shorter distances, the Vaporfly 3 provides the speed and comfort you need.

2. Nike Alphafly 2 – Best for Maximum Cushioning and Stability
The Nike Alphafly 2 is built for performance, offering a combination of ZoomX foam, ZoomAir pods, and a carbon plate to ensure a snappy ride. While it’s designed for speed, the Alphafly 2 doesn’t compromise on comfort, with its 40mm stack height providing ample cushioning for long-distance races. The shoe excels during tempo runs, offering impressive bounce and energy return, although it may not be the best for runners seeking a more stable shoe. It’s a great option for fast-paced races and interval training.

3. HOKA Rocket X2 – Best for Lightweight and Fast Racing
The HOKA Rocket X2 is one of the brand’s fastest and most responsive carbon-plated shoes. Featuring a dual-density PEBA midsole, the Rocket X2 combines a softer foam layer with a firmer layer for better stability. The spoon-shaped carbon plate and metarocker geometry help propel you forward, making it a great option for fast, efficient runs. It’s lightweight (only 7.8 oz) and responsive, but keep in mind the snug fit might not be ideal for wider feet. The Rocket X2 is a top choice for racing at a range of paces and distances.

4. Adidas Adios Pro 3 – Best for a Responsive and Speedy Ride
The Adidas Adios Pro 3 is designed for top-tier performance, providing a firmer, more responsive ride than many other super shoes. Its Lightstrick Pro foam and carbon energy rods are positioned to enhance flexibility while maintaining a springy feel underfoot. With a 39.5mm stack height and 6.5mm drop, the Adios Pro 3 offers a stable and efficient ride, making it perfect for both marathons and speedwork. While it’s an excellent shoe for longer distances, the fit may not be as comfortable for all runners due to some minor issues with the upper construction.

5. Adidas Prime X2 Strung 2 – Best for All-Out Speed and Maximum Cushioning
The Adidas Prime X2 Strung 2 is an innovative carbon plate shoe designed to help you go all out over any distance. It combines multiple layers of responsive Lightstrike Pro foam and a dual carbon plate system for a highly energetic ride. The shoe has a significant stack height of 50mm, delivering maximum cushioning, though it might feel unstable during tight turns. Despite its weight, it provides an incredibly lively and snappy feel that’s perfect for fast-paced, long-distance races. The advanced strung uppers enhance comfort, but the shoe’s performance is best suited for marathoners looking for an energy-efficient ride.

6. Saucony Endorphin Elite – Best for Stability with Carbon Plate Speed
The Saucony Endorphin Elite strikes a balance between energy propulsion and stability. With a 40mm stack height and a mild 8mm drop, it features a carbon plate paired with PWRRUN HG foam, which offers superior energy efficiency and a responsive feel. The shoe is lighter than most competitors and offers a smooth, protected running platform that’s perfect for marathons. It’s not as aggressive as the Nike Alphafly or Adidas Prime X2, but for those looking for a stable yet energetic ride, the Endorphin Elite is a fantastic option for fast-paced races.

7. Under Armour Velocity Elite – Best for Versatility and Daily Training
Under Armour’s first carbon-plated racing shoe, the Velocity Elite, is a versatile option for both races and training. Its dual-layer midsole, combining Pebax foam and Flow foam, offers a responsive yet cushioned ride. The full-length carbon fiber plate adds rigidity for efficient propulsion, while the lightweight mesh upper ensures a comfortable fit. While not as aggressive as some of the other super shoes, the Velocity Elite’s balance between speed and comfort makes it an excellent choice for runners who need a fast, versatile shoe.

8. New Balance SC Elite V3 – Best for a Subtle, Responsive Ride
The New Balance SC Elite V3 is a lighter, more connected-to-the-ground carbon-plated shoe. With a 40mm stack height and 4mm drop, the shoe features a dual-density FuelCell foam midsole for a lively, snappy feel. While it doesn’t have the all-out energy of the Nike Alphafly, it provides a smooth, efficient ride that excels in both tempo and long-distance races. The SC Elite V3 is especially appealing for runners who prefer a subtle, smooth ride that doesn’t compromise on speed.

Conclusion
These carbon plate shoes are all top contenders in the race for performance, offering various benefits depending on the runner’s needs. Whether you’re looking for maximum cushioning, speed, or versatility, there’s a super shoe on this list to help you break your PR. The combination of superfoam and carbon plates continues to be a game-changer, and each of these shoes offers unique features to elevate your racing experience. Choose the one that suits your running style, and get ready to chase those personal records!

Asics has stepped into the world of high-performance racing shoes with the MetaRacer Tokyo, marking the brand’s debut in the carbon-fiber shoe category. This limited-edition model, designed to celebrate the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, features a striking neon upper and combines cutting-edge technology with the brand’s racing expertise to create a shoe focused on running efficiency rather than just speed.

Designed for Efficiency

The MetaRacer’s design is centered around improving running economy. Instead of focusing on sheer speed, Asics aimed to help runners conserve energy, especially during the latter stages of long races. The shoe features a low-profile midsole with a 24mm heel stack, which is thinner compared to other top racing shoes. This results in a traditional racing flat feel, giving runners a more stable, responsive experience, especially when navigating tight corners during races or track sessions. While it’s not built to deliver the same amount of cushion as shoes like the Nike Vaporfly, its moderate cushioning provides enough support for long distances without feeling too soft or spongy.

Light and Responsive

Weighing just 190 grams for men and 156 grams for women, the MetaRacer is incredibly lightweight, putting it on par with other elite racing shoes like the Nike Vaporfly. Its design combines a rocker-shaped midsole with a carbon-fiber plate in the forefoot, which helps minimize unnecessary ankle movement and improves the efficiency of each stride. This setup allows runners to maintain a strong, smooth push-off without wasting energy, ensuring they can continue to accelerate even in the latter stages of a marathon.

While some runners may find the toe box a bit snug, the overall fit is streamlined and supportive, keeping your foot secure throughout the race. One tester remarked that the shoe provided enough comfort for a full marathon while maintaining a responsive feel, saying, “I felt fast and ready to race.”

Springy Cushioning Without Extra Bulk

The MetaRacer’s FlyteFoam midsole strikes a balance between cushioning and responsiveness. The carbon-fiber plate is bottom-loaded in the midsole, sitting just above the outsole. This allows the foot to make contact with a layer of FlyteFoam, a resilient material that’s durable and highly resistant to compression, ensuring the shoe maintains its performance over long distances. Though it doesn’t have the same bouncy feel as some other models, FlyteFoam offers a controlled, responsive ride that helps propel the runner forward while preventing excessive energy loss.

Performance in All Conditions

Asics paid special attention to the shoe’s upper, using a breathable engineered mesh to maximize ventilation and keep your feet cool during intense races. The mesh is treated with a hydrophobic coating, which allows water to bead off, keeping the shoe light even in wet conditions. Additionally, a drainage port on the toe ensures that any water that enters the shoe quickly escapes, preventing unnecessary weight gain from soaked fabric. This design helps maintain optimal comfort and efficiency, even when race day throws you a curveball with rain or puddles.

Final Thoughts

The Asics MetaRacer Tokyo is an impressive first entry into the world of carbon-fiber racing shoes. With its focus on improving running efficiency rather than just speed, it offers a unique option for runners looking to conserve energy during long races. Its lightweight design, responsive midsole, and breathable upper make it a strong contender in the high-performance racing shoe market. Whether you’re racing a marathon or preparing for a fast 5K, the MetaRacer Tokyo could be the shoe to elevate your performance.