When Nike debuted the carbon-plated Vaporfly 4% back in 2017, its winning combination of a high stack of lightweight foam, carbon plate and stripped back uppers, revolutionised performance running shoes. With these new super shoes, runners no longer needed to sacrifice cushioning for weight savings while racing and chasing peak performances.

For a long time, Nike seemed to have the carbon market all to itself. But it was only a matter of time before the other big running brands joined the race. Love or hate them, super shoes are here to stay - here are the best available right now.