Cutting through the Running Shoe BS - Carbon vs Nylon Plates, Heel Drop, and What All the Jargon Means

Cutting through the Running Shoe BS - Carbon vs Nylon Plates, Heel Drop, and What All the Jargon Means

Tread Lightly Running Podcast
Jan 24, 202637:02
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Episode Notes

There are more running shoe brands and models than ever - and all the jargon can feel confusing. In this episode, we help you navigate what features of a running shoe actually matter - and what’s just good marketing. You’ll learn about supershoes vs supertrainers, why heel to toe drop matters, what the different foams do, and more.

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In this episode, you’ll learn:

✅ The difference between carbon and nylon plated shoes

✅ Why you shouldn’t train in supershoes all the time

✅ How to safely introduce carbon plated shoes

✅ The pros and cons of high stack height shoes

✅ The most important features to consider when buying new running shoes

✅ Understanding PEBA, TPU, and EVA foams

✅ Do you need a running shoe rotation?

If you enjoyed this episode, you may also like:

🎧 What Running Economy Really Means for Your Performance (31 Oct 2025)

🎧 Running Gear: What’s Overhyped vs Worth the Price (23 Aug 2024)

🎧 Do You Need Stability Shoes? (31 May 2024)

References

🔬PMID: 40059889

🔬PMID: 24286345

🔬PMID: 33982594

🔬PMID: 41207296

Tread Lightly Running is hosted and researched by Amanda Brooks and Laura Norris, MSc. Production, show notes, and graphics by Laura Norris.

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➡️ Laur