Five Best Super ‘front-pack’ Running Shoes for Elites 2021

In this article we review 5 of the best Super ‘front-pack’ Running Shoes available for elite runners.

Everything on running forums appears to be about the new Super Running Shoes and how disadvantaged you would be if you did not run in a pair.

Throughout running history innovation is what has made running champions shoes better than their predecessor. A decade ago, running shoes were locked in a very different arms race (or foot race). As part of a “barefoot” running craze, brands had focused on featherlight shoes with barely-there soles. Today, another revolution is afoot: the development of the so-called “super shoe”, which is driving another spike of record toppling in endurance running. Times have changed and we either adapt or stagnate.

This article is not to underpin any shoe brands claim of clearing your path to record-breaking speed rather to inform that these shoes are designed with a faster feel than before; provides more cushioning underfoot and reduced weight up top. The result is a generous energy return, more comfort with an extra ‘carbon plated’ spring in your step. Is that not what a top quality running shoe is meant to provide?

You may believe by purchasing these running shoes you are buying “free time”, your bank manager will tell you otherwise! In answer to whether these super running shoes are the reason for so many PB’s, one can only answer that it is not the running shoes that win races it’s the runner inside them that does. Results from middle distance running events indicates there are PB’s for some and not for others, as would be expected in any race. And yet, all the elite athletes appear to be wearing a pair of new brand super shoes, so clearly these running shoes are not the panacea for guaranteed PB’s – that take’s hard work and a lot of training.

So, on this basis, we will start with the pair of Nike Vaporfly Next% that I wore when I smashed my previous road 5K race best running the Podium 5k ‘In a time of 14:23, taking a whopping 1 minute 4 seconds off my PB. 

How I smashed my previous 5k road race best! 

Nike Vaporfly Next%.

The inclusion of a carbon fibre plate, running from heel to toe within the Vaporfly’s foam sole, has been the headline-grabbing innovation. The specific scoop shape is being credited for the latest performance enhancement. It causes a ‘teeter-totter’ effect, which effectively helps return energy to the runner each time their foot strikes the ground. The Nike Vaporfly Next% also uses PEBA foam, which stores far more energy from foot strikes, and returns more energy to the runner, than the TPU and EVA materials that are traditionally used in trainers. PEBA foam is also lighter: the Nike Vaporfly Next% weighs around 50g less than previous competitors.  

Finally, the shoe’s heel thickness of up to 40mm is around 10mm thicker than that of other racing shoes. That’s partially to accommodate the other technology in the shoe, and partially to increase the wearer’s leg length, which contributes to their energy saving. 

Verdict:10/10 – Given these shoes gave me return of energy to run a Road 5K PB, smashing my old PB by over 1 minute, I feel justified in giving the Nike Vaporfly Next%  a top rating. 

Available at Sportsshoes.com 

Saucony Endorphin Pro 

Like the Nike shoes, the Saucony Endorphin Pro uses a foam made out of the material PEBA in the midsole and pairs it with a carbon plate, but beyond those similarities it’s a very different shoe to the Vaporfly. Saucony’s ‘Speedroll’ design makes a huge difference, helping your foot roll from heel to toe incredibly smoothly, and while the Endorphin Pro isn’t as soft and bouncy like other high-stack shoes, it certainly helps you to maintain a fast pace over long distance. It will initially feel more natural than the Nike shoes and more stable on sharp turns. 

The energy return from the Saucony Endorphin Pro provides a feeling of continuous momentum so that you can run faster, not harder once you have overcome the sensation of it popping you onto your toes.  

Verdict: 8/10 – The Saucony Endorphin Pro removes the feel of the road and if you are a heavy pavement-pounder, these will nurse your high mileage nicely! The Saucony Endorphin Pro are high end, carbon-plated racing shoes so, if you are a slower runner, they may not do justice as they are built for speed and distance which can often be a trade-off. 

ASICS Metaracer 

The Asics Metaracer shoes are made for runners, both male and female, who want the most out of their fast-paced training and racing.  

The sleek design of the Asics Metaracer is more like a traditional racer, and the shoe’s carbon plate is placed under (rather than within) the midsole foam, and only at the forefoot – it’s not a full-length plate.  

The upper is designed to capture as much airflow as possible, which helps keep feet cool and Asics GUIDESOLE™ technology features an improved toe-spring shape to reduce the movement of the ankle joint, helping runners save energy with each stride.  

Verdict: 7/10 – The Asics Metaracer shoe generates a rolling motion that actually propels the foot forward, producing a totally unique running experience. The Asics Metaracer is a cracking option for speed sessions, and although it appears to lack the cushioning for ultramarathons, it’s a top choice for 5K/10Ks races. 

Hoka Rocket X   

The Hoka Rocket X is an incredibly lightweight, insanely responsive racer geared for elite athletes. This may be an unexpected inclusion given that most of the attention is given to Hoka’s headline grabbing carbon plated shoe the Hoka One One x 2. 

However, the Hoka Rocket X is a carbon plated shoe that bucks the trend in two very welcome ways. First, it’s cost is substantially less than most top-flight options. Second, it’s always in stock! The even better news is that the Rocket X is a very impressive performer as well, with a lightweight design and a rocker in the midsole that help you to hold your pace in speedy training sessions and races. 

The ride is firmer than you’ll find on soft, higher-stack shoes like the Vaporfly, but it is more cushioned than Hoka’s Carbon X which is designed more for ultramarathon distances. The Hoka Rocket X is comfortable enough to use for long training runs and races all the way up to the marathon. 

Verdict: 7/10 – While some other super-shoes might have it beaten on all-out speed, the Hoka Rocket X has far broader appeal and is designed to be more comfortable and harder wearing than the race day-only models from other brands, some of which have very limited useful lives. 

Available at Sportsshoes.com 

And finally…

Adizero Adios Pro 

Adidas hot on the heels of Nike, released the Adizero Adios Pro that is the brand’s real first attempt to rival Nike’s Vaporfly. Within the high stack of Lightstrike Pro cushioning are five carbon EnergyRods that line up with the metatarsal bones, along with a small carbon plate under the heel. This design results in a more stable ride than a single plate, while still being very fast even over short distances. It’s longer races where the shoe excels, though, and it’s a contender for the crown of best marathon shoe. 

Verdict: 6/10 – this rating is not a reflection of the shoes, as I am seriously considering buying a pair, but more to do with the supply-chain issue as these shoes always appear to be ‘out of stock’ requesting you to sign up for alerts on availability.  

Available at ADIDAS (When in stock!)