With the upgrade of equipment, many runners have purchased carbon plate running shoes. What are carbon plate running shoes? Is it a gimmick? Carbon fiber board is implanted in the sole of carbon plate running shoes, which utilizes its elasticity to store and release energy, thereby helping runners increase speed while saving effort. According to reports, some sports brands' technology carbon plate running shoes can help runners reduce physical exertion by about 4%. Every breakthrough in marathon and other road running sports is almost inseparable from the help of carbon running shoes. In 2019, Kenyan long-distance runner Kipchog ran past the two-hour mark in the marathon challenge, and Kosgay broke the women's marathon world record in the Chicago Marathon. The running shoes he wore were embedded with up to three carbon plates. Such powerful technological advancements have sparked controversy, and since then, the World Association of Athletics Federations has specifically formulated rules stipulating that the thickness of running shoe soles must not exceed 40 millimeters, and only one layer of rigid material, including carbon or other embedded plates, is allowed to be embedded. Nowadays, carbon plate running shoes are gradually moving from professional runners to the general public. Many brands have developed carbon plate running shoes that are more suitable for ordinary runners, allowing more people to receive technological assistance while running. It is worth noting that carbon plate running shoes have a certain degree of hardness and a raised toe, which poses a risk of injury for entry-level runners with weak ankle strength. It is best not to use them for daily walking and low-intensity exercise. Carbon running shoes are becoming increasingly popular among teenagers. Experts remind that the arches of teenagers are not fully developed, and carbon running shoes have strong rigidity and high rebound force. Long term wearing may lead to arch collapse, plantar fasciitis, and other diseases, which may pose potential hazards to the bone development and physical health of teenagers. (New Society)