Do super shoes improve performance on trails?

With the huge rise in popularity of carbon-plated shoes in road running, the inevitable question of “are they worth it for us?” has crossed many trail runners’ minds. While the benefits of super shoes are more obvious in road running, we’re beginning to see brands like Altra come forward with enticing versions of the carbon-plated shoe designed for trail running.

We spoke to Lethbridge-based coach, ultrarunner and race director of Lethbridge, Alta.’s Lost Soul Ultra, Dean Johnson, about the value of super shoes for trail runners.

Johnson says performance is just one angle to consider. Surprisingly, the number one argument for carbon-plated trail shoes is foot protection.

“I recommend them for runners with foot issues where they need to limit the collapsing of the arch, or if they can’t bend their big toe due to joint issues,” explains Johnson. He adds that, “if runners are susceptible to stress fractures, that layer of plastic or carbon might lower the risk of a foot bone injury.”

Stability should be at the top of every runner’s mind, he says. “Athletes who play multidirectional sports (flag football, basketball, baseball, etc.) will have strong ankles and can likely handle a super shoe on trails,” Johnson says. “However, someone who comes from a pure road running background will need to be more careful.”

Altra elite athlete Jeff Browning raves about Altra’s Mont Blanc 2 Carbon as his shoe of choice, even outside of racing. “I’m on my sixth pair,” he says. “It was my go-to shoe for nearly all my ultras and long runs in 2023–I raced in mud, snow, rain, sand, creek crossings and rocky trails. It performed well in all conditions.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Unlike on the roads, performance gains may be more relevant to seasoned trail runners or on courses that aren’t super technical.

“The concept of super shoes on the trail makes sense for those who are actually running,” Johnson explains, noting that, depending on distance, terrain and a runner’s comfort level on it, trail racing can sometimes involve as much power-hiking (i.e., walking) as running.

With that said, trail races are diverse, and for a flatter course with less technical terrain, the potential performance gains might make carbon shoes well worth the price.