The best tempo running shoes without a carbon plate
Fast, responsive tempo shoes without a carbon plate: more versatile, more stable and usually cheaper.
Quick answer
For tempo runs without a carbon plate, our top pick is the Saucony Endorphin Speed 5: balanced cushioning and bouncy, propulsive foam. The Skechers Aero Razor and New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5 are close behind. Plate-free tempo shoes bend more naturally, feel steadier on corners and double as everyday trainers.
Our picks
- Top match£180
Endorphin Speed 5
- Balanced cushioning
- Bouncy, propulsive foam
- Built for road miles
Fit True to size
237g 8mm drop Nylon plate
- Strong alternative£135
Aero Razor
- Bouncy, propulsive foam
- Light at 196g
- Built for road miles
Fit True to size, narrow fit
196g 4mm drop Nylon plate
- Also great£140
FuelCell Rebel v5
- Balanced cushioning
- Bouncy, propulsive foam
- Built for road miles
Fit True to size
223g 6mm drop
Our picks
- Top match£180
Endorphin Speed 5
- Balanced cushioning
- Bouncy, propulsive foam
- Light at 204g
Fit True to size
204g 8mm drop Nylon plate
- Strong alternative£170
Cloudflow 5
- Firmer, grounded ride
- Bouncy, propulsive foam
- Built for road miles
Fit True to size
231g 8mm drop Nylon plate
- Also great£140
FuelCell Rebel v5
- Balanced cushioning
- Bouncy, propulsive foam
- Light at 177g
Fit True to size
177g 6mm drop
How they compare
| Shoe | Price | Weight (men's / women's) | Drop | Plate | Wide fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 | £180 | 237g / 204g | 8mm | Nylon | Yes |
| Skechers Aero Razor | £135 | 196g / 159g | 4mm | Nylon | No |
| New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5 | £140 | 223g / 177g | 6mm | None | Yes |
Why skip the carbon plate?
Versatility. Without a stiff plate, a tempo shoe feels natural at easy paces too, so one pair can cover most of your running.
Stability. Plated shoes are often tall and stiff. A plate-free shoe usually sits lower and feels steadier on bends and track turns.
Price and durability. Plate-free tempo shoes usually cost less and last longer.
What to look for
Responsive foam that springs back, a weight under about 260g, and enough cushioning to stay comfortable for a 40-minute tempo run. Some use a nylon plate or a firmer foam layer for snap without the stiffness of carbon.
Frequently asked questions
Is a carbon plate necessary for tempo runs?
No. Many of the best tempo shoes have no plate, or a softer nylon one.
What's the difference between a nylon and carbon plate?
Nylon plates are more flexible and forgiving; carbon plates are stiffer and feel more propulsive at race pace.
Can I race in a tempo shoe?
Yes. For 5K and 10K, a light tempo shoe can be as quick as a race shoe for many runners.
How we picked
Every shoe we track is scored on cushioning, stability, responsiveness, weight, drop, plate, width options and price. For this guide we ran that scoring for a typical runner with these needs and show the top three. No brand or retailer can pay to appear. How we rank.
Header photo by Tom Morbey