Pebax vs. Carbon: Breaking Down the Differences in "Super Trainers"

In recent years, the running world has witnessed a revolutionary shift in performance footwear, with the emergence of "super trainers" designed to enhance running efficiency and speed. These shoes employ advanced technologies, such as foam compounds and carbon plates, to propel athletes to new heights. Among the key players in this field are Pebax plates and carbon plates, each with its own unique characteristics. In this blog post, we will explore the differences between these two components and their impact on the performance of super trainers.

The Foam Factor:

A prominent feature of “super trainers” is the presence of a significant amount of foam, often accompanied by a carbon plate. While the carbon plate garners much attention, it is important to note that the foam plays a vital role in the shoe's performance as well. The foam, usually made of Pebax (PEBA), has excellent energy return properties, offering superior cushioning and responsiveness. It is the foam that primarily propels the runner forward, making it a critical element in enhancing speed and efficiency.

Pebax Plates vs Carbon Plates:

Pebax is a lightweight plastic polymer that is the same material used in the PEBA foams found in most race day super shoes. This foam can be compressed to create a stiffer plate-like structure. The foam is squished and hardened to form a plate, resulting in a lightweight yet supportive platform. This configuration provides a more efficient running experience.

Carbon plates have gained significant attention in the running community due to their exceptional properties. These plates are incredibly light and possess a high stiffness-to-weight ratio, making them ideal for promoting energy transfer and reducing energy loss. The carbon plate acts as a lever, assisting in the push-off phase and increasing propulsion. This innovative technology has proven effective in many race-day super shoes, leading to record-breaking performances in elite competitions.

While there isn’t much research into the benefits in performance of a Pebax plate over a Carbon Plate what we can say is that a Pebax plate is much lighter than a carbon plate. Pebax is also a bio-based material being derived from castor beans (for example the Hoka Mach X Propulsive Pebax® plate is made of 65% bio-based content) making it’s impact on the planet lighter as well.

Helpful with Preventing Injury and Faster Recovery:

In addition to their performance-enhancing qualities, super trainers also play a vital role in preventing injuries and promoting faster recovery. The combination of Pebax foam and carbon or Pebax plates creates a supportive and stable platform, reducing the risk of common running-related injuries. The foam's excellent cushioning properties help to absorb impact forces during each stride, minimizing the stress on joints and muscles.

Moreover, the efficient energy return from the foam and propulsion from the carbon or Pebax plate result in a smoother running experience. Runners wearing super trainers experience reduced muscle fatigue, enabling them to recover more quickly from intense training sessions or races. This shortened recovery time allows athletes to maintain a consistent training schedule, maximizing their performance gains over time.

Ideal for Various Training Goals:

“Super trainers” cater to a wide range of training goals, making them suitable for runners preparing for 10K, half marathons, or even full marathons. These shoes are designed to support and enhance performance during high-intensity workouts, long-distance runs, and race-day efforts. Whether you're aiming for a personal best in a shorter distance or conquering the full marathon distance, super trainers offer the responsiveness and energy return needed to excel.

The differences between Pebax and carbon plates in super trainers contribute to unique running experiences for athletes. While both components play significant roles in enhancing performance, the Pebax foam's ability to provide excellent energy return and propulsion should not be overlooked. Moreover, the stability and cushioning properties of these super trainers make them indispensable for injury prevention and faster recovery.

Whether you're a seasoned marathoner or an aspiring 10K runner, super trainers offer the support and performance needed to excel in your training and races.