Carbon-plated shoes show minimal biomechanical impact in healthy adults

Carbon-plated running shoes (CPS) combine compliant foams with embedded carbon-fiber plates to increase longitudinal bending stiffness and potentially improve running economy. However, whether CPS systematically alter running biomechanics compared with non-carbon-plated shoes (NCPS) remains unclear. To quantify the biomechanical effects of CPS in healthy adults. A systematic review and meta-analysis of crossover trials comparing CPS vs. NCPS was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines (PROSPERO CRD420251058609). Searches were performed in MEDLINE, Scopus, LILACS, and Embase (July 2025). Eligible studies included healthy adults (18–70 years) running in CPS and NCPS. Outcomes were step frequency (steps·min−¹), leg stiffness (kN·m−¹), and peak positive joint power (W·kg−¹) at the metatarsophalangeal (MTP), ankle, knee, and hip. Random-effects models were used to estimate standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Certainty of evidence was assessed using GRADE. Fifteen studies were included. No significant differences were observed between CPS and NCPS for leg stiffness (SMD = −0.12; 95% CI: −0.46 to 0.23; p = 0.44), knee power (SMD = 0.21; 95% CI: −0.10 to 0.52; p = 0.12), hip power (SMD = −0.23; 95% CI: −1.36 to 0.90; p = 0.56), or MTP power (SMD = 0.13; 95% CI: −1.87 to 2.12; p = 0.85). A borderline reduction in ankle power was observed with CPS (SMD = −0.71; 95% CI: −1.42 to 0.00; p = 0.05). Step frequency showed a small, non-significant decrease (SMD = −0.16; 95% CI: −0.32 to 0.01; p = 0.06). Certainty ranged from low to moderate. CPS do not produce consistent changes in joint power or leg stiffness compared with NCPS. Biomechanical adaptations appear subtle, with possible distal joint effects but no systematic redistribution of lower-limb mechanics.