Surprise! The Hottest New Carbon-Plated Running Shoes Are Actually Skechers

If you've had a finger on the pulse of the running community over the last few years, you know that carbon-plated running shoes have generated a ton of buzz—and for good reason. As it turns out, adding springy carbon to a running shoe's midsole results in a zippy-fast sneaker, which can lead runners of all levels to achieve faster splits and new personal bests. The latest brand to jump on the carbon-plated bandwagon? Skechers—yes, really! The new Aero Running Collection from Skechers includes three styles of carbon-plated running shoes for all types of runners. Read on to learn more about each of the Skechers Aero styles and how to choose the right pair for your running goals.

The Skechers Aero Running Collection, at a glance

• Skechers Aero Burst, $150
• Skechers Aero Tempo, $170
• Skechers Aero Spark, $130

What's great about the Skechers Aero Running Collection

These days, Skechers is much more than just a podiatrist-beloved walking shoe brand. While the company still puts foot health at the forefront (forefoot?) of its business, the Aero Running Collection sends a very clear message: Skechers takes running—and runners—seriously. Here's what's great about the Aero line:

Made for speed

While the style varies across each of the Aero models, they all use a carbon-infused plate for speed and responsiveness, a Goodyear Performance Outsole for optimum traction, and Skechers "Hyper Burst" cushioning, which is super lightweight and responsive.

APMA Seal of Approval

The Aero Burst and Aero Spark models boast the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Approval, which means the shoes have been reviewed by podiatrists and approved to promote good foot health.

Style variety

I love that Skechers didn't just make one carbon-plated shoe; they made three. There are differences between each of the styles (more on that below), but the ability to prioritize the features that are important to you as a runner (think: removable insoles, a rocker design, or a higher cushion stack) really just proves that Skechers should be taken seriously in this category.

Reasonable price point

You might not qualify $130-$170 sneakers as "reasonably priced," but carbon-plated shoes don't come cheap. Skechers is known for selling shoes at affordable prices, and that's actually still true for these particular styles, despite the higher cost compared to other Skechers models (for reference, a carbon-plated shoe from another big name brand can cost up to $285).

Shop the Skechers Aero Running Collection

Skechers Aero Burst

$150

The Aero Burst is a super cushioned runner with a supportive (and removable) Arch Fit insole system. With a breathable mesh upper and durable Goodyear Performance outsole, it's a great shoe for tackling long distances and pushing your pace—that's especially true thanks to the carbon-infused H-plate which provides a ton of energy return on your strides.

Sizes: 5.5-11 | Colors: 4 | Drop: 6mm | Weight: 8.7oz

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Skechers Aero Tempo

$170

If you have a need for speed the Aero Tempo is for you. This style uses Skechers' Hyper Burst and Hyper Burst Pro cushioning for a super responsive, lightweight stack that will propel you forward thanks to the slight rocker design. Add in a full-length carbon-infused winglet place for stability and energy return and you're destined for your next race-day PR.

Sizes: 5-11 | Colors: 2 | Drop: 4mm | Weight: 7.6oz

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Skechers Aero Spark

$130

The Aero Spark was designed to pick up the pace on your daily runs. With a carbon-infused H-plate for stability and energy return, it's a solid choice for runners of all levels. The combination of Hyper Burst and Hyper Burst Ice cushioning makes for a stable-yet-soft landing, and the Arch FIt insole system helps provide responsive—you guessed it—arch support for those who need it.

Sizes: 5-11 | Colors: 4 | Drop: 6mm | Weight: 7.8oz

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How to choose the right Skechers Aero shoe for you

Choose Aero Burst if you:

• Run longer distances (half- and full-marathon)
• Want a shoe with arch support and removable insoles
• Want a shoe with the APMA seal of approval
• Want a lot of cushion and a slightly chunky stack

Choose Aero Tempo if you:

• Want a speed or race-day shoe
• Prioritize carbon plating and a responsive cushion
• Don't need a removable insole
• Are willing to pay a little more cash
• Prefer a lower-drop shoe (4mm vs the other styles, which are 6mm)

Choose Aero Spark if you:

• Want a speedy daily running trainer
• Want a shoe with the APMA seal of approval
• Like a softer cushion and more arch support
• Prefer a slightly lower price point