Carbon plates have changed the running shoe world. Over the last few years, the rise of plated “super shoes” has shown how shoe design can influence running efficiency, speed, and fatigue.
Now that same idea is being applied somewhere new. Instead of building the plate into the shoe, brands are experimenting with placing it inside the shoe as part of the insole.
The Superfeet Run Pacer Elite is one of the first performance running insoles designed around this concept. It combines a carbon fibre propulsion plate with high rebound foam to create an insole aimed at improving running efficiency and toe-off power.
But how does it actually work, and who is it best suited for?
What Is the Superfeet Run Pacer Elite?
The Superfeet Run Pacer Elite is a performance running insole designed to enhance propulsion and energy return during a run.
Unlike traditional insoles that focus primarily on cushioning or arch support, the Run Pacer Elite has been designed specifically for running performance. At the core of the design is a lightweight carbon fibre plate made with Carbitex technology, paired with Superfeet’s SuperRev supercritical foam.
The plate is engineered to flex naturally during slower movement but becomes stiffer as force increases. This allows the insole to remain comfortable during normal running while providing additional propulsion when you increase pace.
The foam layer works alongside the plate to provide rebound and cushioning. Supercritical foams are known for their lightweight structure and energy return properties, which is why they are commonly used in modern performance running shoes.
If carbon plated aren’t for you,Superfeet have a large range of insoles to browse.
How Carbon Plated Insoles Work
To understand why carbon plates are appearing in running gear, it helps to look at the mechanics of running.
When your foot strikes the ground during a run, your body absorbs impact and then pushes off again during the toe-off phase of the stride. During this process, energy is stored and released through muscles, tendons, and the shoe.
A carbon plate works by increasing stiffness through the midfoot and forefoot. When the plate bends under load, it stores energy and then releases that energy as you push forward.
It helps create a more efficient transition from landing to toe-off.
In running shoes, this concept has already proven effective. Carbon plated racing shoes have been shown to improve running economy by reducing the amount of energy required at a given pace.
The idea behind a carbon plated running insole is to bring some of that same efficiency into shoes that do not already have a plate built into them.
Instead of buying multiple plated shoes, runners can insert a performance insole into their existing footwear and potentially gain a more responsive feel.
What Makes the Run Pacer Elite Different From Traditional Insoles?
Most running insoles are designed around comfort and support. They may improve arch support, distribute pressure more evenly, or provide additional cushioning.
The Superfeet Run Pacer Elite is built with a different goal.
Rather than focusing purely on comfort, the design aims to objectively enhance propulsion and performance during running. The carbon plate helps stiffen the forefoot, while the high rebound foam adds a responsive feel underfoot.
This combination creates an insole that feels noticeably firmer than many traditional insoles, but also more energetic when running at faster speeds.
That difference in purpose is what makes the Run Pacer Elite stand out from other running insoles.
Who Should Consider Carbon Plated Insoles?
Performance insoles like the Run Pacer Elite are not necessarily designed for every runner or every type of run.
They tend to work best in situations where efficiency and propulsion matter most.
Runners doing tempo runs, interval sessions, or faster training efforts may notice the greatest benefit. The plate becomes more active as force increases, so the effect is typically more noticeable at higher running speeds.
They can also appeal to runners who like the feeling of plated shoes but want the flexibility to use that sensation in multiple pairs of trainers.
If you are unsure on what would be best for you, our gait analysis or custom insole fittings services can help identify footwear and support options suited to your running style.
How do they feel?
One of the first things runners notice when trying the Run Pacer Elite is that it feels firmer than a typical comfort insole. That firmness is intentional. The plate adds structure through the midfoot and forefoot, which helps create a more responsive toe-off during running.
Many runners describe the experience as feeling slightly more forward driven, particularly during the push-off phase of the stride.
Because the insole sits inside your existing running shoes, the overall experience will also depend on the shoe you pair it with. Softer cushioned shoes may balance the firmness of the plate, while firmer shoes may feel more aggressive.
Carbon Insoles Versus Carbon Plated Running Shoes
With carbon technology becoming more common in running footwear, some runners may wonder how carbon insoles compare to full plated shoes.
Carbon plated running shoes have the plate integrated into the midsole design. The entire shoe is built around the stiffness and geometry of the plate.
Carbon insoles work differently. They sit inside an existing shoe and add structure and propulsion to that shoe’s platform. This means they are generally more versatile. One insole can be used across several pairs of trainers rather than being limited to a single shoe.
However, the effect will usually be less dramatic than a fully engineered carbon plated shoe because the shoe itself was not originally designed around the plate.
Are Carbon Running Insoles Worth It?
This depends largely on your running goals.
Runners focused purely on comfort may prefer softer or more traditional running insoles designed around cushioning and support.
Runners chasing performance improvements may appreciate the additional propulsion and responsiveness that a carbon plate can provide. For many runners, the appeal lies in the idea of marginal gains. Small improvements in efficiency can add up over longer distances or repeated training sessions.
The Superfeet Run Pacer Elite is designed for that type of runner. It offers a lightweight way to experiment with carbon plate technology without replacing your entire running shoe rotation.
If you are curious about trying carbon plated running insoles yourself, you can explore the Superfeet Run Pacer Elite instore and online and see how this new category of performance insole fits into your running setup.
If you would like a more personal fitting insole we offer both custom heat-moulded insoles and completely personal 3D Printed insoles in store
