Road Racing Shoes

Road racing shoes are high performance running shoes designed for competitive road races. They incorporate a thin, lightweight carbon fiber or nylon plate embedded within the midsole foam to enhance running efficiency and speed. Road racing shoes are engineered to optimize performance for competitive runners. The integration of plated shoe technology provides a unique combination of energy return, propulsion, and reduced fatigue, making them sought after footwear for achieving peak racing performance.

Fitness Sports stocks the Nike Vaporfly and Alphafly, Saucony Endorphin Pro and Endorphin Elite, and the ASICS Metaspeed, in men's and women's sizes, and our staff race in them at the Drake Relays, Dam to DSM, and the Des Moines Marathon.

Frequently asked questions

What is a super shoe?

A road racing shoe with a carbon fiber plate and a thick layer of light, bouncy foam. The combination returns more energy per stride than a training shoe, which is why most road records since 2017 have been set in them.

How many miles do carbon plated racing shoes last?

Most brands quote 150 to 300 miles of racing. Save them for race day and hard workouts, and train in a daily shoe.

Which racing shoe should I buy for a marathon?

For most runners the Nike Alphafly or Vaporfly, Saucony Endorphin Pro, or ASICS Metaspeed. The right one depends on your stride and foot shape, so come in for a fitting at any of our seven Iowa stores.