Background: Carbon plate running shoes have gained increasing attention in endurance sports due to their potential to improve running economy and enhance performance. These shoes typically combine a stiff carbon fiber plate with highly compliant and resilient midsole foams, which may alter lower limb biomechanics, energy return, and metabolic cost during running. Reductions in oxygen consumption and improved mechanical efficiency have been proposed as key mechanisms underlying performance benefits. Understanding the metabolic effects of carbon plate shoes is important for athletes, coaches, and sport scientists seeking evidence based strategies to optimize running performance. Methods: This study was conducted as an integrative review of experimental and clinical studies examining the metabolic effects of carbon plate shoes on running performance. Relevant literature published between ۲۰۰۵ and ۲۰۲۵ was identified through searches of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. Eligible studies included recreational, trained, or elite runners who performed running trials using carbon plate shoes compared with traditional or non carbon running shoes. Primary outcomes included running economy, oxygen consumption, energy cost, metabolic power, and time trial performance. Secondary outcomes included biomechanical variables, perceived exertion, stride characteristics, and fatigue related responses. Results: The reviewed evidence indicates that carbon plate shoes improve running economy and metabolic efficiency by reducing oxygen consumption and energy cost at submaximal speeds compared with conventional footwear. These benefits are linked to enhanced elastic energy return, altered ankle and metatarsophalangeal mechanics, and reduced muscular work during propulsion. Time trial and race performance may also improve, although effects vary depending on shoe design, running speed, athlete level, biomechanics, and individual adaptation. Conclusion: Carbon plate shoes appear to provide metabolic advantages that may enhance running performance, particularly through improvements in running economy and reductions in energy cost. However, the magnitude of benefit may differ among individuals and depends on footwear design, running velocity, and runner characteristics. Future research should focus on long term adaptation, injury risk, sex specific responses, and the effectiveness of different carbon plate shoe designs across diverse running populations.
