Holiday gift guide: Kona carbon-plate running speedsters
These high-tech shoes offer performance, speed and recovery benefits for runners of all levels
Photo by:
Kevin Mackinnon
Carbon-plate shoes have become the norm for triathletes of all levels these days, especially when it comes to a big day like the Ironman World Championship. The added performance and cushioning combine for quicker times on race day, and faster recovery afterwards – what more could a world-championship-bound athlete look for in their footwear? Whether you’re Lucy Charles-Barclay (who wore the Metaspeed Sky+ to a record-setting performance in Kona), or an age-group athlete looking for a PB next summer, these carbon-plate wonders will help. Which makes them a wonderful gift idea for the triathlete in your life.
Asics Metaspeed Edge+
$325
The shoes that Lucy Charles-Barclay helped design certainly did the trick for the British star in Kona. While she didn’t post the day’s fastest run, she did manage to finish the marathon five minutes faster than she’s ever run before, which helped her to her record-setting win. What sets the carbon-plate Metaspeed speedsters apart from other company’s shoes is that there are two different styles that are geared for a runner’s style. In its research, Asics realized that to increase their speed people use two different approaches – either maintaining a similar cadence but increasing their stride length (“stride” style runner), or increasing their cadence or turnover to generate more speed (“cadence” style runner). With that in mind the Metaspeed line includes the Sky to accommodate the first style of runner, and the Edge for those who fit into the second style of running.
In Kona, Charles-Barclay opted for the Sky+ since that suits her running style. For those who aren’t running under three hours for the marathon and don’t have as bouncy a stride as the champ, the Edge+ makes a lot more sense. Both versions feature FF Blast Turbo foam, but it’s positioned slightly differently to provide optimal compression and bounce for each running style.
Everything about the Metaspeed shoes wants to move you forward, faster. The first thing you’ll notice while wearing them is how easy it is to roll through your stride. The carbon-plate does a great job of guiding your foot, while the copious amount of foam in the insole ensures that you’ll get lots of cushioning. Where the new shoes really excel is towards the latter half of the race – you’ll feel considerably less fatigue in your lower legs, allowing you to push right to the line.
It’s hard to say what is the biggest advantage the Metaspeed shoes provide – is it the fact that they help bring the most out of your stride, or that you are enduring less pounding as you work through the race? In the end it doesn’t really matter – the bottom line is you’ll be faster.
Saucony Endorphin Pro 3
$300
Saucony’s Endorphin series has performed extremely well ever since it was launched in 2020, and the Pro 3 continues that trend thakns to a carbon-fibre plate and a thick stack of PWRRUNPB cushioning. The Pro 3 bangs on the limits of the new shoe rules with a 40 mm stack, but still manages to come in at just 176 g. The S-curve carbon plate helps position your foot for just the right push off, enhanced by Saucony’s SpeedRoll technology. The FORMFIT design keeps the shoe snug and comfortable for the duration of your run, whether a 5 km at the end of a sprint or a marathon at the end of an Ironman. The durable XT-900 outsole provides some nice grip, too, a welcome addition for wet conditions. Thanks to all those features the Endorphin Pro 3 offers a speedy and comfortable option for the final leg of a triathlon.
